Cincinnati (AP) – Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star right-hander Corbin Burns is set to undergo Tommy John elbow surgery. This marks the largest contract in team history.
Manager Torey Lovullo announced on Friday that “many individuals contributed to the decision.” He added that the surgery, to be performed by Dr. Neil Ellatrach, a team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is likely scheduled for next week.
The news came just three days after the Diamondbacks placed Burns on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow.
The 30-year-old exited his latest start with Arizona in the lead at 3-0 in the top of the fifth inning on Sunday. After allowing a single to Washington’s CJ Abrams with two outs, he gestured to the dugout in frustration.
Burns gave up a run and four hits in 4 2/3 innings during the Diamondbacks’ 3-1 win. He currently holds a record of 3-2 with a 2.66 ERA over 11 starts this season.
Following the game, Burns expressed that he felt tension in his elbow, which affected his performance with the first two batters in the fifth inning.
“We’re with Corbin now,” Lovullo stated. “Receiving this news is tough, but we will support him and find ways to play hard for him throughout the year. Healing and recovery will take time.”
Burns joined the Diamondbacks after earning his fourth consecutive All-Star selection during his lone season with Baltimore last year. He spent the first six seasons of his career with Milwaukee before an offseason trade to the Orioles in early 2024.
Burns has the option to opt out of his contracts after the 2026 season. However, that now seems unlikely as his recovery could extend past next year’s All-Star break. If he opts out, he will forfeit his $140 million contract.
___
AP MLB: https://www.apnews.com/hub/mlb
Source: apnews.com