Arizona Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes expressed strong confidence in returning to the mound by mid-July following his Tommy John surgery last year. During a recent spring training session on March 11, he met with the team’s current pitchers and shared his progress.
Burnes’ Bold Recovery Timeline
Burnes stated, “If it’s mid-July, I’m fully confident in competing for a rotation spot. I’m working hard to build more innings.” He added, “Every day I come here and strengthen my body, gaining the confidence to start games. I’m adjusting my workload to throw more, and a final decision will come soon.”
After signing a six-year, $210 million free-agent deal with Arizona on December 6, 2024, Burnes pitched 11 innings before undergoing Tommy John surgery on June 11, 2025, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. His recovery timeline spans 12-15 months, aligning with a potential July comeback if all progresses smoothly.
Diamondbacks Bolster Rotation Depth
The Diamondbacks view Burnes’ post-surgery return as a key boost to their starting rotation. Projections list Merrill Kelly, Ryan Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Michael Soroka as primary options. Kelly, who also underwent Tommy John surgery, eyes a return on March 27 against the Dodgers.
Diamondbacks executive Tony Revelo noted, “The eighth starter remains undecided after eight innings, but it’s a great opportunity for our pitchers to step up. We have the depth to maximize key spots.” He continued, “It’s a positive situation overall, though not ideal, as we’re adapting internally.”
Team’s Aggressive Free-Agent Moves
Burnes ranked sixth among Arizona’s top free-agent signings, behind deals like those for AAV’s $35 million Hyun-Jin Ryu (Philadelphia Phillies, $42 million), Ditroyt Tiger’s Framber Valdez ($38.33 million), and others including Tejas Rangers’ Jeycob DeGrom ($37 million), LA Dodgers’ Snell ($36.4 million), and Yankees’ Cole ($36 million).
Despite the injury setback, Burnes brings elite pedigree: the 2021 NL Cy Young winner posted a 63-38 record, 3.15 ERA, and 1,114 strikeouts career. His brief stint last season showed promise with a 3-2 record, 2.66 ERA, and 63 strikeouts in 11 innings before rotator cuff issues arose.
A USA Today agent observed, “The free-agent market for aces is wide open. Teams like Arizona, San Diego, Baltimore, Seattle, and the Cubs remain active.” Kelly echoed enthusiasm in an interview: “People thought I’d join Arizona—they’re right. Pfaadt fits well, my wife loves it here, and it’s comfortable. Playing here feels great for the family.”
