**Corbin Burnes to Undergo Tommy John Surgery, Impacting Diamondbacks’ Season**
The Arizona Diamondbacks faced a significant setback on Friday as they announced that their ace pitcher, Corbin Burnes, will undergo Tommy John surgery. This decision comes after Burnes exited his start on Sunday due to what was initially diagnosed as elbow inflammation.
Burnes, who is in the first year of a six-year, $210 million contract—the largest in Diamondbacks history—has been a standout performer since joining the team. This contract is also the second-highest awarded to a pitcher during the offseason, surpassed only by Max Fried’s $218 million deal over eight years. In terms of total value, Burnes’ contract ranks as the fourth-largest ever given to a pitcher, following Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s $325 million deal and Gerrit Cole’s $324 million contract.
During his last outing, the Diamondbacks were leading 3-0 in the fifth inning when Burnes allowed a single to CJ Abrams with two outs. Frustrated, he gestured towards the dugout, signaling something was amiss. In 4 2/3 innings pitched, Burnes gave up one run and four hits, along with a walk and six strikeouts. He concludes the season with a 3-2 record and a 2.66 ERA across 11 starts.
Burnes has established himself as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball, finishing in the top eight of the Cy Young Award voting every year since 2020, and winning the award in 2021 with a remarkable 2.43 ERA and 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2020, his 2.86 ERA ranks as the second-lowest among pitchers with at least 500 innings pitched, trailing only Fried’s 2.70.
The upcoming surgery could sideline Burnes until 2027, a significant blow for the Diamondbacks. The 30-year-old has been remarkably durable, making at least 28 starts in each season since his Cy Young win. Prior to joining the Diamondbacks, Burnes spent six seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers and was briefly traded to the Baltimore Orioles for the 2024 season.
As the Diamondbacks navigate this challenging situation, the impact of Burnes’ absence will be felt throughout the remainder of the season and beyond.
**FAQ**
**What is Tommy John surgery, and why is it significant for pitchers?**
Tommy John surgery is a procedure that repairs a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow, a common injury among pitchers. It often requires a lengthy recovery period, which can significantly affect a player’s career and performance.