D-Backs RHP Corbin Burnes suffers setback in recovery

According to manager Torey Lovullo, the right-hander has been diagnosed with a teres major strain, a significant blow to a club that was hoping his return would help boost an already steady rotation.

Lovullo said Burnes will be shut down for several weeks, and no timetable has been given for his return. This leaves Arizona without the frontline starter it hoped would return later this season and creates even more questions for a pitching staff already searching for consistency.

The injury also arrives at a pivotal moment for Arizona’s rotation, particularly with right-hander Zac Gallen continuing to struggle.

Gallen owns the highest ERA among the Diamondbacks’ regular starters at 5.16, an unexpected development for a pitcher who was once viewed as the unquestioned ace of the staff.

Many believed Burnes would eventually slide into that role if Gallen failed to improve. Now, however, it appears Arizona will need to explore additional options to address its rotation concerns — especially with the trade deadline only weeks away.

Arizona now faces several options. The D-Backs could stick with Gallen and bet on a turnaround similar to last season’s, promote prospects who could help stabilize the rotation, or look outside the organization for pitching help before the deadline. Any trade for a proven starter would likely require Arizona to part with some of its top young talent, and it remains unclear whether the Diamondbacks are willing to take that route.

The significance of Burnes’ injury extends beyond a single rotation spot.

Arizona signed him ahead of the 2025 season with the hope that his talent and experience could help lead the Snakes back to the postseason. While his start in Arizona was rocky, the former Cy Young winner settled in and began pitching like himself again before being shut down midway through the season and ultimately undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Now, with another extended absence looming, Arizona must determine whether its current rotation can keep the club in contention or whether outside help will become a necessity.