The Arizona Diamondbacks are about to get a major arm back in the mix, and it could come at a huge moment in their playoff chase.
Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro expects Corbin Burnes to rejoin the rotation and make his first start of 2026 on Tuesday in Kansas City against the Royals. That would end a long road back for the former National League Cy Young Award winner, who has been sidelined since June 1, 2025 following Tommy John surgery.
Burnes’ return had already been pushed back once this season. A right teres major strain in his shoulder delayed what had been projected as a mid-summer comeback, but now he appears ready to take the ball again as the Diamondbacks try to hold onto a postseason spot.
The fit was supposed to be straightforward when Arizona signed him to a six-year, $210 million contract before the 2025 season. Burnes arrived after pitching for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, and the expectation was that he would join Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen to anchor the staff.
He delivered when healthy, too. In 11 starts with the Snakes before the injury, Burnes put up a 2.66 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.
Now Arizona needs that version again. As of Thursday, Sept. 3, the Diamondbacks were only a half-game ahead of the San Diego Padres in the race for the final wild-card spot, with a tough stretch ahead against the Houston Astros and the Royals. There’s not much room to breathe.
Of course, the first outing back after more than a year away is usually about more than results. Burnes will likely have some rust to shake off as he settles back into a normal routine. But if he can cover enough innings and keep Arizona in the game, that alone could matter.
That’s especially true with the rotation having been reshuffled in recent weeks by injuries, recalls and rookies stepping into bigger jobs. Getting Burnes back gives the Diamondbacks a proven starter and, just as important, a chance at some much-needed stability down the stretch.
His first start won’t just be a comeback story. It may also tell Arizona plenty about what kind of lift he can provide in the final push for October.
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