Arizona Diamondbacks Face Rotation Turmoil After Corbin Burnes Injury
In a season already fraught with pitching uncertainties, the Arizona Diamondbacks are now grappling with the impending absence of ace Corbin Burnes, set to undergo Tommy John surgery. While the team secured a place in the World Series with a lean three-man rotation – led by Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly – they may find it increasingly difficult to remain competitive.
Burnes, who signed a record six-year, $210 million deal and was anticipated to bolster the pitching staff, faced issues in recent outings, ultimately leading to surgery that will sideline him not only for the season but potentially into 2026. This injury compounds the challenges of a rotation that was already one of the league’s least effective last season, allowing an average of 4.45 earned runs per game.
Lack of depth has plagued the D-backs; while Gallen and Kelly have been consistent performers, both are set to hit free agency, casting doubts on their future with the team. Kelly maintains a solid 3.43 ERA, but Gallen’s struggles have raised concern, as his ERA now sits at an uncharacteristic 5.14.
Other pitchers like Eduardo Rodriguez, who recently returned from injury with a 6.70 ERA, and young talent Brandon Pfaadt, in a slump, add to the uncertainty. Ryne Nelson has been unable to solidify his spot in the rotation, further complicating matters.
The D-backs will need to bolster their rotation to keep playoff hopes alive, as past attempts to sign high-profile pitchers have not always yielded the expected results. With their current standing at 31-31, the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether they can mount a competitive charge as the season unfolds.
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