Diamondbacks’ Corbin Burnes expected to make return vs. Royals

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes is expected to make his long-awaited return against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, per Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.

Burnes has not pitched since June 2025 after leaving a game against the Washington Nationals with an elbow injury and later undergoing Tommy John surgery. The four-time All-Star, who signed a six-year, $210 million deal before the 2025 season, was on track to make his return in July this season before suffering a teres major strain in June in his right lat and being shut down.

Burnes pitched two 1-2-3 innings for the Reno Aces on Aug. 23 and in a bridge camp game on Thursday. There was discussion of Burnes potentially returning from the injured list for the Diamondbacks’ weekend series against the Houston Astros, but manager Torey Lovullo said Tuesday the organization opted to build him up for one more rehab start to increase his pitch count.

News of Burnes’ imminent return comes as the Diamondbacks are currently without several starters in the rotation, including Burnes, Zac Gallen, Michael Soroka and Ryne Nelson. Lovullo said Soroka and Gallen will each pitch in a simulated game at Salt River Fields on Friday, while Nelson will pitch for Single-A Visalia on Saturday to begin his rehab assignment.

The Diamondbacks (74-67) could use a boost from some of the potential returns in the starting rotation as Arizona enters Friday’s series against the Astros a half game up on the San Diego Padres (73-67) for the third and final Wild Card spot in the National League.

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