It’s a blow that echoes through the desert: Corbin Burnes, All-Star ace of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is prepared for Tommy John surgery, marking a premature end to his promising first season in Arizona. Just months into a landmark six-year, $210 million deal—the richest in franchise history—Burnes will undergo the career-defining procedure.
This decision, manager Torey Lovullo shared Friday, was reached after consultations from a broad ring of specialists. Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the renowned surgeon often chosen by top-tier athletes, will perform the surgery, likely scheduled for the coming week.
The announcement came on the heels of Burnes being placed on the 15-day injured list due to elbow inflammation, a mere three days earlier. The 30-year-old departed his last outing against Washington, visibly frustrated, after allowing a single and signaling distress to the dugout.
Despite the setback, Burnes left behind impressive numbers in what might be his abbreviated 2024 campaign: a 3-2 record with a sterling 2.66 ERA over 11 starts. But the unease in his elbow was undeniable as he managed just shy of five innings in his final game.
“We’re all behind Corbin right now,” Lovullo declared solemnly. “Receiving this type of news is challenging, but we’re committed to playing hard and supporting him throughout his recovery. He’ll come back strong for us.”
Burnes joined the Diamondbacks roster after a stellar stint with Baltimore, notching his fourth straight All-Star selection thanks to the previous off-season trade from Milwaukee.
With an opt-out clause available post-2026, Burnes’ future remains uncertain. Returning post-recovery would align around the All-Star break next season, making it improbable he’ll walk away from the hefty $140 million still on the table.
