Corbin Burnes will not make scheduled start vs. Padres amid shoulder inflammation

Arizona Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes will head to the injured list and will not make his previously scheduled start at the San Diego Padres on Saturday, the team announced Friday.

It was not immediately clear who would take his spot in the rotation, though azcentral’s Nick Piecoro, who first reported the injury, noted Ryne Nelson would likely factor in. Nelson has made two relief appearances since returning from his own injury issues (32 and 16 pitches, respectively).

Corbin Burnes shoulder inflammation was the result of throwing a bullpen yesterday. He told staff it wasn't coming out great and now he will get a second opinion. Tomorrow's starter is TBD but should Brandon Pfaadt pitch deep into the game tonight likelihood is they empty the…

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) September 25, 2026

Right-hander José Cabrera was recalled from Triple-A Reno to take Burnes’ spot on the roster.

Burnes is dealing with right shoulder inflammation to end a regular season where he worked back from Tommy John surgery, and he suffered a setback due to a teres major strain along the way.

He pitched just 10.1 innings across three starts this season and gave up nine earned runs for a 7.84 ERA. He dealt with a dip in velocity and struggled with his cutter while he was out there.

While the ace had an opt-out in his contract following this season, he’s all but guaranteed to remain on the books with four years and $140 million remaining on the deal.

How does Corbin Burnes’ injury affect Diamondbacks’ Wild Card chase?

Arizona, which enters the final series of the regular season two games back of the Philadelphia Phillies for the final National League Wild Card spot, can only be eliminated Friday if it loses and the Phillies win.

Burnes was scheduled to start on Saturday, between Brandon Pfaadt and Michael Soroka.

If the Diamondbacks win all three games at the San Diego Padres, they only need the Phillies to lose twice to the Tampa Bay Rays, which have already clinched their division and first-round bye.

If the D-backs can only win two out of three at the Padres, which have clinched a Wild Card spot, the Phillies must lose all three games.

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