Diamondbacks injury return tracker: Corbin Burnes going on rehab assignment

PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks are expecting several players to come off the injured list and help with their postseason push in the final leg of the season, including staff ace Corbin Burnes.

Burnes pitched one inning in a Bridge League game on Tuesday, and his next step is to make a rehab start with Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Manager Torey Lovullo told MLB Network Radio on Friday that Burnes will pitch two innings and 35 pitches for the Aces. If that goes well, the D-backs will make a decision as to whether or not Burnes should make his season debut in his following start.

He would only be able to give the D-backs three innings and around 45 pitches, but with the extra roster spot in September, the club would have more coverage in the bullpen.

The Diamondbacks recently activated their next wave of injury returnees: starting pitcher Michael Soroka, outfielder Jordan Lawlar and relief pitcher Justin Martinez. Soroka, however, suffered another injury, putting further strain on the starting rotation.

Could Burnes provide a jolt down the stretch, even if limited?

In the middle of a playoff race, the Diamondbacks could use any help they can get.

Here is a tracker that will be updated to provide fans a window into the return progress, setbacks and potential timelines for these players making their way back:

Diamondbacks injury return tracker

(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

10-day IL

Outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., right adductor strain — IL since July 18

Gurriel remains on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno. He joined the Aces on Aug. 18.

Entering Friday, Gurriel had hit .095 in six games with Reno.

Outfielder Tommy Troy, right AC joint sprain — IL since July 12

Troy joined Triple-A Reno on a rehab assignment this week, playing his first game at second base. Troy has played more second base than outfield throughout his career, but with a crowded outfield at the big league level, the D-backs are giving him looks along the infield.

Infielder Ketel Marte, left knee inflammation — IL since Aug. 20

Marte was added to the injured list after a bizarre sequence of events that led with his unexcused absence from Fenway Park last week.

He underwent an MRI last Thursday, Aug. 20, and began to rehab at Salt River Fields. He has since received Bridge League at-bats with a plan to play on Monday.

15-day IL

Relief pitcher Ryan Thompson, strained lower back — IL since Aug. 5

Thompson started his throwing program but has made “limited progress,” according to Lovullo.

Thompson went to see a hip specialist and awaits a diagnosis.

60-day IL

Starting pitcher Corbin Burnes, right elbow surgery/teres major strain — last pitched on June 1, 2025

Burnes threw 13 pitches in a Bridge League game this week and 11 more pitches in the bullpen.

He will throw two innings and 35 pitches for Triple-A Reno in a rehab start on Saturday. After that start, the D-backs will decide whether or not he needs another rehab appearance or is ready to get back in a major league game in a limited capacity. His first start would land in Arizona’s series at the Houston Astros from Sept. 4-6.

The 2021 Cy Young winner dealt with a setback earlier this season, as it was announced on June 1 that he suffered a teres major strain while ramping up from elbow surgery.

Burnes has only made 11 starts after signing a six-year, $210 million deal with Arizona before the 2025 campaign.

Starting pitcher Zac Gallen, right elbow inflammation — IL since July 19

Gallen pitched three innings and 45 pitches on Tuesday in a Bridge League game, and Lovullo said it went really well.

Gallen is on the 60-day IL and is not eligible to return before Sept. 7.

Starting pitcher Ryne Nelson, right elbow strain/sprain — IL since June 16

Nelson started his bullpen progression.

The idea of bringing Nelson back as a relief pitcher to shorten his ramp-up time has been discussed, especially with Burnes and Gallen ahead of him.

Starting pitcher Blake Walston, Tommy John surgery — has not pitched in MLB since 2024

Walston began his rehab assignment in Reno on Aug. 4 and has pitched in seven games.

Diamondbacks ruled out for the season

• Relief pitcher A.J. Puk (left elbow surgery/left capsule sprain)
• Starting pitcher Cristian Mena (right shoulder surgery)
• Relief pitcher Andrew Saalfrank (left shoulder surgery)

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