Diamondbacks Corbin Burnes Exits with Elbow Discomfort, MRI Scheduled

Arizona Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes exited his Sunday start early due to right elbow discomfort, prompting significant concern from the team. Burnes experienced tightness and a drop in pitch velocity during the fifth inning, leading him to signal for medical attention and leave the game before an MRI could determine the injury's severity. Manager Torey Lovullo described the situation as a "gut punch," emphasizing Burnes' toughness and the team's cautious optimism while preparing for potential absences. Burnes, a four-time All-Star and 2021 NL Cy Young winner, signed a six-year, $210 million deal with Arizona this offseason and has been a vital part of their rotation. While there is hope he avoided serious injury, it is expected that he will require some time on the injured list to recover. The Diamondbacks remain optimistic but are preparing contingency plans should the MRI reveal a more severe issue.