After suffering a 7-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, the Arizona Diamondbacks are just barely holding themselves above .500 with a 37-36 record, and someone that they are certainly missing is Corbin Burnes.

Burnes, who has not pitched in a game for the Diamondbacks since June 1, 2025, as a result of Tommy John surgery, was making progress in his return to the mound.

But news was released on June 3 that he suffered a teres major strain in his right shoulder, delivering a blow to his rehab progress and likely keeping him out until September, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.

Burnes, 31, was having a strong first season in Arizona in 2025 before undergoing his surgery. His 2024 season, in which he notched a 2.92 ERA and a 15-9 record over 32 starts, helped land him a six-year, $210 million deal that offseason, which illustrated Arizona’s desire to have him on the roster after he spent 2024 with the Baltimore Orioles.

In a recent press conference, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told Arizona Sports reporter Alex Weiner and other present members of the media about a conversation he had with Burnes.

"Health updates, I've been in my office for the past half hour with Corbin Burnes," Lovullo said. "It's good to catch up with him, see how he's doing, talk about what the overall plan is, what the strategy is.

"He's gonna do his absolute best to get back as soon as possible," Lovullo added. "So, it's just good to.. Very refreshing to sit in front of him, and I hadn't had a chance to spend a lot of time with him. We talked on the phone a little bit, but to get that time with him meant a lot to me."

Lovullo, who earned his 700th career win as a manager on Sunday with a victory against the Cincinnati Reds, has been in his role with the Diamondbacks since 2017. Though Burnes has not been with the club nearly as long, the strength of his relationship with Lovullo is evident.

"So, [I'll] keep you guys updated on that," Lovullo said. "No adjustments there. Imaging here in the coming days to find out what the updates are, but nothing different than what we've talked about in the past."

In multiple pitching metrics, the Diamondbacks are below average or worse. According to MLB.com, Arizona is No. 17 in ERA 4.21, No. 19 in opponent batting average (.247) and dead last in strikeouts (515). 

Additionally, the Diamondbacks' starters have given up the third-most home runs in Major League Baseball (63), as pitchers like Merrill Kelly and Ryne Nelson have struggled in that department. All told, the Diamondbacks are in rough shape without Burnes’ services, and September is a long way off.

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