Significant Setback Suffered By Corbin Burnes In Recovery From Tommy John

Just when the Arizona Diamondbacks figured they were back in the hunt for the postseason, they get the brutal news that ace Corbin Burnes has suffered a significant setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

The former Cy Young winner, who was expected to be back around the All-Star Break, suffered a strain of his right teres major muscle and now will likely be out until September.

He had thrown 15 bullpen sessions as part of his ramp-up before facing live hitters, but it was at that point that Burnes felt discomfort in his arm after a live batting practice session last Friday. He underwent some imaging this week, which showed the teres major strain.

But this will not break his spirit, according to insider Bob Nightengale.

Arizona Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes says he fully expects to return by September after a setback returning from Tommy John surgery.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 4, 2026

Burnes says he fully expects to be back in September to help the Snakes try to sneak into the playoffs.

Burnes signed a six-year, $210 million free agent deal ahead of the 2025 season with Arizona, but only made 11 starts for them last year before injuring his elbow. He had posted a 2.66 ERA.

The now 31-year-old won the NL Cy Young with the Milwaukee Brewers back in 2021 and has remained one of the top pitchers in baseball over the last six years.