Corbin Burnes injured against Nationals; MRI will determine recovery period
Arizona Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes is facing an uncertain future after experiencing tightness in his right elbow during Diamondbacks' win against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field.
The star pitcher exited the game abruptly in the fifth inning, sparking concern among teammates and fans.
Burnes, who was on the mound against the Washington Nationals, reported discomfort after delivering a 92 MPH cutter that resulted in a single.
Corbin Burnes just left his start for Arizona after an apparent arm injury. His cutter velocity had dipped two to three ticks before that. pic.twitter.com/z1ktHvURRJ
His visible frustration and early departure prompted manager Torey Lovullo to label the injury as “discomfort,” while acknowledging his worries remain significant.
“We’re hopeful, but cautious,” Lovullo said, confirming Burnes will undergo an MRI on Monday to evaluate the injury's severity.
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Torey Lovullo and Corbin Burnes postgame comments on Burnes' elbow injury... right elbow discomfort. He'll stay behind and get an MRI. @12SportsAZ pic.twitter.com/EYZYFaMw7KBurnes himself described the issue as a sudden tightening that affected his velocity and pitch movement.
“It just kind of really started to get tight on me,” he said. “We got to the point where the tightness was too much, so waved [the trainer] out and didn’t feel like we needed to push any farther.”
The looming possibility of Tommy John surgery—a common yet serious procedure for pitchers with elbow injuries—casts a shadow over Burnes’ season and the Diamondbacks’ pitching plans.
Losing their leading starter would be a significant setback as the team navigates the competitive MLB landscape.
As the Diamondbacks await MRI results, the team and fans brace for news that will shape the remainder of Burnes’ season and the club’s prospects.
This episode underscores the unpredictable nature of sports, where resilience is often tested by unforeseen challenges.