Burnes set for Arizona return after elbow surgery
The former NL Cy Young winner is expected to make his 2026 debut against Kansas City, with Arizona limiting him to about 60 pitches.
Corbin Burnes is expected to make his 2026 season debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, following his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Burnes has not pitched for Arizona since making 11 starts in 2025, when he recorded a 2.66 earned-run average. The right-hander signed a six-year, US$210 million contract with the Diamondbacks in December 2024.
According to CBS Sports, Burnes completed a two-inning minor-league rehabilitation outing and then pitched about three innings in a bridge-camp appearance. His fastball reportedly reached about 92–93 mph during the rehabilitation outing.
Arizona expects Burnes to be limited to about 60 pitches and believes he could make four starts, including this game, before the regular season ends. The supplied reporting does not confirm that he has completed the scheduled start or provide a result.
The Diamondbacks are pursuing a wild-card place, while Kansas City has lost six of its past eight games. Royals right-hander Michael Wacha is scheduled to start.
