Corbin Burnes to Have Tommy John Surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes will undergo Tommy John surgery after tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, ending his season in the first year of a six-year, $210 million contract—the largest in franchise history. The injury occurred during his June 1 start against the Washington Nationals, after which Burnes left the game with elbow discomfort and consulted multiple medical professionals. Burnes, a four-time All-Star and 2021 Cy Young winner, posted a 3-2 record and a 2.66 ERA in 11 starts before the injury. Recovery from the surgery is expected to take 12 to 18 months, likely sidelining him for all of 2025 and possibly most of 2026. His absence is a significant setback for the Diamondbacks, who had acquired him to anchor their rotation, with Ryne Nelson expected to fill his spot. Burnes' contract is fully guaranteed, making it unlikely he will exercise his opt-out after 2026 given the recovery timeline.