Corbin Burnes left the Arizona Diamondbacks’ game against the Washington Nationals on Sunday after experiencing elbow tightness in the fifth inning. The ace pitched 4.2 innings, giving up one run on four hits while striking out six batters before exiting the contest early. This injury incident overshadowed the Diamondbacks’ hard-fought 3-1 victory that helped them avoid a series sweep against Washington. Burnes’ exit sparked immediate concern, and he is scheduled for an MRI to assess the extent of the injury.

Burnes later explained his decision to leave the game, citing increasing tightness in his elbow.

“It just got to the point where the tightness was just too much,”

Burnes said.

“I waved them out and didn’t feel like we needed to push any farther. So hopefully, we caught it early. Hopefully, it’s not bad, but we’ll see.”

Diamondbacks’ contract ace and his performance this season

Since signing a significant six-year, $210 million deal with Arizona, Corbin Burnes has emerged as the team’s premier starting pitcher. His current record stands at 3-2 with an impressive 2.66 ERA, affirming his role as a key player in the Diamondbacks’ rotation. Despite this setback, Burnes’ contributions have been crucial in many games this season, including Sunday’s important start before his premature departure.

Manager Torey Lovullo comments on Burnes’ injury and team readiness

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo addressed the situation following Burnes’ early exit, expressing the team’s concern and cautious optimism.

“It’s a gut punch, for sure,”

Lovullo said.

“He’s tough and he rarely complains about anything. So when you see him wave the trainer and the coaches out there, you’re just holding your breath and it’s tough. It’s very tough. We’re with [Burnes], and we’ll be as positive as possible.”

Lovullo also emphasized the team’s depth and preparedness to face such challenges, despite the uncertainty surrounding Burnes’ condition.

“If it is the worst-case news, we have guys who are ready to step in, and we’re very capable of putting people in there to help us win baseball games. But still, I’m with Corbin right now, and it’s definitely a gut punch.”

The Diamondbacks have already faced significant injury challenges this season, with key players such as Jordan Montgomery undergoing Tommy John surgery, Eduardo Rodríguez sidelined due to a shoulder issue, and reliever A.J. Puk dealing with an elbow injury, adding layers of difficulty to the team’s pitching staff.

Implications of Burnes’ injury for the Diamondbacks’ season

Corbin Burnes’ injury raises important questions about the Diamondbacks’ pitching depth as they continue their season. An MRI slated for Monday will provide a clearer picture of the severity of his elbow condition and the possible recovery timeline. The team’s ability to maintain momentum despite these setbacks will be critical as they navigate a season complicated by multiple key injuries.

The outcomes of Burnes’ injury evaluation could significantly influence Arizona’s rotation strategies and player availability moving forward, making this an important situation to monitor for fans and analysts alike.