Burnes Stays Connected During Recovery
Diamondbacks Ace Offers Insights Despite Tommy John Surgery
Arizona Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes is navigating his first extended injury layoff with a commitment to remaining an active presence for his team, even as he faces a lengthy rehabilitation period following Tommy John surgery.
A Different Perspective from the Dugout
Burnes, sidelined for an estimated 12-14 months, is watching every game and finding a new appreciation for the strategy and pitching nuances. He noted that his weekly routine has shifted significantly, now prioritizing his health and family life.
“It’s obviously different. My routine and my process throughout the week is definitely a lot different,” Burnes shared from the D-backs’ clubhouse. “It’s a lot more geared to getting healthy and being a dad and husband.”
He remains engaged by offering remote assistance with game planning and scouting reports. “When guys have questions, I’ve always got my phone with me. I come in here a couple days a week whenever I can, just do what I can to help out and be a source to the young guys.”
Mentoring Pitchers Remotely
Manager Torey Lovullo encouraged Burnes to stay close to the club after his surgery, a sentiment the pitcher has embraced. He connects daily with pitching coach Brian Kaplan and frequently communicates with pitcher Brandon Pfaadt.
Pfaadt has recently incorporated more cutters into his repertoire, a pitch that has been instrumental for Burnes. “He had some questions about it,” Burnes explained. “Every time he pitches, I talk to him about it, just see how he feels and what he’s kind of learning from it. … It’s one of those things that you learn what you can do differently with it every time you pitch. He’s done great with it.”
Corbin Burnes was candid about his recovery and how he’s staying involved with the D-backs: “I tune into every game, but I do what I can to help guys out remotely as far as game planning and scouting reports. When guys have questions, I’ve always got my phone with me.”
— Jody Jackson (@Jody_Jackson) June 14, 2024
“I’ve been an injured player and it can be depressing at times, but when you come around your teammates and your coaches, it makes you feel good. And that’s what I’m asking for. And (Burnes) has been great.”
—Torey Lovullo, Manager
A Long Road Ahead
Burnes faces a challenging road back, likely missing the remainder of the current season and potentially all of the 2026 campaign. A return in the latter half of next season is considered the most optimistic outcome, though he humorously suggested he’d be ready by Opening Day 2026, realistically targeting around the All-Star break.
The increase in elbow and shoulder injuries across baseball concerns Burnes. “Elbow, shoulder injuries in general have been up a lot the last couple years. I couldn’t tell you the reason why, I’ve got a lot of theories, but I’ll keep that out of the media for a while,” he stated. “It sucks that I just signed here and was throwing the ball really well and then it happened. … You’re not immune to it, it happens in this game. Just have to do my best to rehab from it and make sure it never happens again.”
For now, he is cherishing the increased time with his young children, even as his son, Carter, often asks to visit Chase Field.
Team Injury Updates
In other team news, relievers Jalen Beeks (lower back inflammation) and Shelby Miller (right flexor strain) threw bullpen sessions on Saturday. Both are progressing in their recovery, with Beeks throwing 23 pitches and Miller tossing 24. They are further along than Ryan Thompson (scapular strain), who has begun his throwing program but has not yet thrown off a mound.
Infielders Pavin Smith (oblique strain) and Ildemaro Vargas (fractured foot) have commenced dry swings. Smith is also able to do cardio and infield drills, while Vargas has been taking standing ground balls. Catcher Gabriel Moreno is scheduled for a CT scan this week.
