Corbin Burnes restarts throwing program as he looks to salvage final stretch of season

LOS ANGELES — Arizona Diamondbacks injured ace pitcher Corbin Burnes started throwing again on Friday, manager Torey Lovullo said.

Burnes was hopeful to return from his 2025 Tommy John surgery sometime around this part of the schedule entering the season, but a teres major strain in his right shoulder halted his progress at the start of June. The right-hander was pulled back from throwing for weeks but maintained he will attempt to return before the end of the year.

Lovullo said Burnes was asymptomatic and received positive news from his latest MRI.

“Everything showed real good healing,” Lovullo said. “The fact that he started his program is really good news. … Once we get him onto a mound and he starts throwing bullpens, we’ll get a better timeline.”

Instead of adding a midseason boost to the rotation, Burnes will hope to get back by the final month of action.

Lovullo provided several additional health updates for key Diamondbacks working their way back:

• Starting pitcher Michael Soroka (glute strain) will throw a bullpen on either Tuesday or Wednesday. “I think it’s a couple of bullpens, probably a live (batting practice) and then a rehab outing. We can start there and make some adjustments off of that.”
• Reliever Justin Martinez (Tommy John surgery) is nearing his first live batting practice session. He has one more bullpen before facing live hitters, Lovullo told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo Friday.
• Starter Ryne Nelson (elbow strain/sprain), reliever A.J. Puk (capsule strain/ elbow surgery rehab) and outfielder Jordan Lawlar (hamstring strain) will undergo MRIs on July 17. Lawlar has been hitting in the cage and going through running mechanics. Nelson and Puk have yet to throw a baseball since suffering their latest injuries.

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