Diamondbacks injury return tracker: Corbin Burnes’ path to the pennant chase

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 will pitch in a bridge camp game on Thursday, and it is a “safe assumption” that his following start will be back with the Diamondbacks, manager Torey Lovullo said.

The four-time All-Star pitched one inning in a bridge camp game last week and took a step forward by making a rehab start with Triple-A Reno on Saturday. He delivered two 1-2-3 innings for the Aces on 17 pitches, increasing his pitch count in the bullpen.

The Diamondbacks debated whether or not to bring him back for their series against the Houston Astros from Sept. 4-6, but the plan is to get his pitch count up a bit higher to the 50-60 range.

“We know he’s not going to be fully built up, but that’s alright,” general manager Mike Hazen told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta. “We’re going to get what we get and use that to our advantage and plan around it.”

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

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

“We’ll be very fortunate to have him back,” Hazen said.

Next week could be eventful for the D-backs getting players back from the IL, including Burnes, Zac Gallen and Michael Soroka.

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

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

“Tommy Troy will continue his rehab progression. He’s been feeling very good, bouncing between the outfield and second base,” Lovullo said on Tuesday.

15-day IL

Starting pitcher Michael Soroka, right shoulder inflammation — last pitched on Aug. 22

Soroka made three starts after coming back from a glute strain before he had to go back on the IL. Soroka had been pressing through some shoulder fatigue or dead arm, but after a start in which he lacked command and allowed six earned runs, he knew something had to change.

His IL stint is not expected to be much longer than the minimum.

Lovullo said Soroka will pitch four innings in a simulated game on Friday at Salt River Fields.

60-day IL

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

Burnes was back at Chase Field throwing a bullpen on Wednesday before his bridge camp game.

Burnes is scheduled to pitch three or four innings on Thursday.

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 will pitch in a simulated game on Friday at Salt River Fields, getting up to four innings and 60 pitches.

Gallen made a rehab start for Reno on Sunday, throwing 1.2 innings and 38 pitches.

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 faced live hitters on Tuesday for the first time, throwing 21 pitches. He was bullish on how it felt, expressing confidence he will be able to help the D-backs down the stretch.

The right-hander will pitch for Single-A Visalia on Saturday to begin his rehab assignment.

Nelson will not be built up enough to start for the Diamondbacks, who expect him to fill a bullpen role.

“We feel like he’s going to best suit us in the bullpen for right now,” Lovullo said.

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)
• Relief pitcher Ryan Thompson (strained lower back)

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