Corbin

Burnes

There was some optimism that Burnes would jump into Arizona’s rotation this week after tossing two perfect innings for Triple-A Reno over the weekend. However, he’s going to need at least a few more rehab outings to continue building up his pitch count and stamina before the Diamondbacks consider bringing him back.

The 31-year-old right-hander was perhaps too efficient in this one, as he only needed 17 pitches (10 strikes) to retire all six batters that he faced, four of them on ground outs. He’s going to need at least a few more of these minor league tune-ups before he’s ready to join the Diamondbacks’ rotation down the stretch.

The 31-year-old hurler has finally made it all the way back from Tommy John surgery and is ready for live game action. Barring any setbacks, he should make a couple of starts at the MLB level down the stretch, though with the inconsistency and workload limitations that should be expected upon his return he’s not necessarily going to be a strong option from a fantasy perspective.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that Burnes was up to 93 mph in the abbreviated outing and could make an appearance for Triple-A Reno, or somewhere else due to the recent wildfires in the area, later this week. The 31-year-old former ace could potentially continue building up his stamina and pitch count in the majors during the final month of the season, which means that fantasy managers shouldn’t anticipate a ton of volume.

It’s technically a bridge league game in the Arizona Complex League where the Diamondbacks have control over the environment. Technically, it won’t be a minor league rehab start, but both Burnes and Gallen should be able to get their work in. Burnes is aiming for 25 pitches over one inning, while Gallen is targeting up to 50 pitches over three innings, per Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. It seems like both starters have a chance to make it back during the final month of the season, which would provide a lift for Arizona’s rotation mix that just lost Michael Soroka to a shoulder issue.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo indicated that Burnes could return shortly after the beginning of September, which gives him a chance to make a handful of starts over the final month. The 31-year-old former fantasy ace would’ve returned from Tommy John surgery sometime around midseason had he not suffered a shoulder injury during his rehabilitation process.

Burnes was shut down from throwing in early June after suffering a teres major strain. He had a follow-up MRI over the All-Star break, which showed positive healing, and he has begun his throwing program again. Until he progresses enough to begin throwing full bullpens, it’s hard to predict any kind of timeline for his return. At this point, it would be unlikely he makes more than one or two appearances for the Diamondbacks this season.

Lovullo added that Burnes suffered a teres major strain in his shoulder during a recent live batting practice session and is unlikely to return until September following the setback. The 31-year-old former fantasy ace, who was working his way back from last year’s Tommy John surgery, was on track to return to Arizona’s rotation sometime around next month’s All-Star break. It’s an extremely tough development for the Diamondbacks and fantasy managers that were stashing Burnes for a potential second-half impact. There should be a clearer return timetable once he’s cleared to resume throwing.

Burnes is making steady progress towards rejoining Arizona’s rotation sometime in the second half of the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year. The 31-year-old former fantasy ace will face hitters a couple times before he’s cleared to head out on a minor league rehab assignment at some point in June.

Burnes continues working his way back from last year’s Tommy John surgery and figures to be ready to rejoin Arizona’s rotation at some point in the second half. The 31-year-old former fantasy ace’s next big hurdle is progressing to facing hitters in live batting practice as he ramps up his throwing program.