Everything was trending in the right direction for the Arizona Diamondbacks, but they've managed to drop five of their last six and received some horrific news in the process.

Corbin Burnes, who signed a monstrous, six-year, $210-million deal prior to the 2025 season, has started just 11 games for the team.

The 31-year-old is currently on the 60-Day Injured List, but the team recently learned he's nowhere near ready to return.

After going through with Tommy John surgery a year ago, the estimated timetable for Burnes return was around the All-Star break. Now, he suffered a strain of his right teres major muscle and will be out until September.

At three games over .500, it's not like the D-backs are ready to take the NL West. They have their work cut out for them, but a setback like this only further lessens their chances of being able to compete with a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers down the stretch.

"Those are big, big pieces for us. So it's a blow, and it's something that we're gonna have to deal with," Lovullo said.

Not only is Arizona worried about Burnes, but they're anxiously anticipating the return of both A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez. 

It's crazy to think all three underwent Tommy John surgery a year ago, but it's nearly time for Lovullo and company to have the "big three" back in the starting rotation.

Lovullo said he "was just trying to align with his frustration" when Burnes broke the news. Overall, it's an upsetting situation but the Diamondbacks manager is more than thrilled with what he's gotten out of his starting five so far this season.

Recovering from Tommy John is one thing, but now Burnes has a major strain that he has to work through as well. Knowing his recovery is pushed back a few months, who knows what situation Arizona will be in come September when it's possible he makes his first start since June 1, 2025.

The biggest question is, how much of a waste, if at all, was that contract?

There aren't many players who warrant a $200M+ price tag, but Burnes is certainly one of those players. If he doesn't return to form, then that could go down as a huge waste of time and money, but only time will tell and the last thing the Diamondbacks want to do is rush him back and make things worse.

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