Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Corbin Burnes is set to return to the majors on Tuesday after a 15-month rehab from Tommy John surgery and a teres major strain, rejoining a rotation fighting for a Wild Card spot. Manager Torey Lovullo confirmed the activation, with Burnes expected to throw around 60 pitches in his first start since June 2025.
Burnes, 31, signed a six-year, $210 million deal with the D-backs in December 2024 and made 11 starts for them before injuring his elbow in June 2025. He underwent Tommy John surgery and later a teres major strain, pushing his return to September 2026. The team confirmed he will make his first start of the 2026 season against the Kansas City Royals, with a pitch count of around 60, per manager Torey Lovullo. The pitch count will be exactly what you were thinking, somewhere around that 60-pitch range if he is available,
Lovullo said, as reported by Arizona Sports.
Rehab Progress and Return Plan
Burnes completed his final rehab step on Thursday, throwing 43 pitches in a bridge camp game at Tempe Diablo Stadium, followed by an additional 10 in a bullpen session. The mark was to get to 50 at least, so we can go 60 to 65 next time,
Burnes said, according to MLB.com. His next start could come during the Diamondbacks’ three-game series with the Royals, though the team has not finalized the schedule. The D-backs opted to skip further minor league starts to accelerate his return, citing his readiness to contribute to the majors.
Burnes touched 93 mph during his rehab, with a bullpen session reaching 94 mph, according to MLB.com. I'm not worried about the velocity,
Burnes said. His focus remains on command, with the team emphasizing making sure the ball is coming out right and has the right shape,
as he described to MLB.com. Burnes’ rehab timeline has been extended by a teres major strain, which delayed his expected mid-summer return. It's been tough,
he admitted, “but I’m ready.”
Team’s Playoff Push and Rotation Challenges
The Diamondbacks (74-67) are in a tight race for the NL Wild Card, currently holding a half-game lead over the Padres. Burnes’ return comes as the team grapples with injuries to key starters like Zac Gallen, Michael Soroka, and Ryne Nelson. Manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that Soroka and Gallen will pitch in simulated games, while Nelson begins his rehab with Single-A Visalia. With Burnes’ activation, the D-backs aim to stabilize a rotation that ranks in the bottom ten by fWAR this season.
Burnes’ impact could be significant, even if he is not immediately at peak form. His 2.66 ERA and 50.3% ground ball rate in 11 starts with Arizona in 2025 made him a cornerstone of the rotation. However, his absence has exposed weaknesses, particularly with Merrill Kelly struggling with a 5.85 ERA in his last six starts and rookie Jose Cabrera posting a 6.00+ ERA in 19 innings.
Contract Implications and Future Outlook
We’ve been going at it for a year and a half now without any breaks,
Burnes said, per MLB.com. But it’s been tough.
The D-backs’ 40-man roster has an open spot, allowing for a straightforward activation. With the season winding down, Burnes’ return could be a pivotal boost as Arizona aims to clinch a Wild Card berth. It’s been a long process that I’m looking forward to having come to an end,
he added, per MLB.com.
Burnes’ first start against the Royals will be a test of his readiness and the team’s playoff ambitions. While he may not be at his 2025 peak, his presence provides stability to a rotation in flux.
