In a development that had the potential to profoundly affect the Arizona Diamondbacks’ season, top pitcher Corbin Burnes left Sunday’s 3-1 win over the Washington Nationals with right elbow pain, triggering alarm in the clubhouse and around the league.
Burnes, the ace of the D-backs’ pitching staff in 2025, was removed in the fifth after throwing 70 pitches and striking out six. Warning signs were there when Burnes signaled to the dugout after a CJ Abrams single. Soon, he walked off to the trainer, clearly upset.
“He just didn’t feel right. And when a guy like Corbin says something’s wrong, you listen,” said manager Torey Lovullo. “It’s more than minimal concern right now.”
MRI Scheduled – What’s Next for Burnes?
Burnes is set to undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. Until the results are in, uncertainty looms and fans are left anxiously awaiting answers.
This comes as a particular worry considering Burnes’ recent performance. He has been dynamite in 2025 with a 2.66 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 11 starts. His performance has been one of the major reasons why the Diamondbacks have managed to stay in contention despite pre-season woes.
Diamondbacks’ Rotation Uncertain
If Burnes is out for any extended period, the Diamondbacks are going to have a true depth issue on their hands. With Jordan Montgomery battling injuries as well, the D-backs might end up having to rely on their bullpen or making some trades—something that hopefully they would not have wanted to do this early in the season.
Burnes inked a six-year, $210 million deal last offseason, marking the sign that Arizona was serious about creating a championship-level rotation. To lose him—even on a temporary basis—would be a heavy blow to those aspirations.
Expert Analysis: A Season-Changing Turning Point?
From a performance standpoint, Corbin Burnes has justified every penny of his contract. His speed, control, and ability to rack up strikeouts have all been exceptional. But elbow pain is never a small problem for a pitcher, particularly one with his workload and velocity.
If the MRI shows structural damage, it might sit Burnes out for months—or more. Such an outcome wouldn’t just jeopardize the D-backs’ chances in the playoffs—it would also force the front office to swiftly rethink their strategy.
But if it’s a minor inflammation or strain, the club can avoid long-term damage. Either way, Arizona has to be cautious. Getting Burnes back on the mound too quickly would put him at risk for a worse injury later on.
Conclusion: Eyes on the MRI Results
The next 24–48 hours will be pivotal in deciding the course of both Corbin Burnes’ season and the Diamondbacks’ playoff ambitions. Until that time, the organization, fans, and the world of baseball hold their collective breath in anticipation of the news.
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