Burnes Returns to Arizona Rotation in Kansas City Debut
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Former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes makes his season debut tonight after recovering from major surgery and a shoulder setback.
The Arizona Diamondbacks will see the return of starting pitcher Corbin Burnes tonight in Kansas City, according to CBS Sports. Burnes, who signed a six-year, $210 million contract in December 2024—the largest in franchise history—is making his first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery. His return was delayed further by a shoulder strain in June 2026, CBS Sports reports.
Burnes is expected to be limited to about 60 pitches for his debut. He previously threw two perfect innings in a minor-league rehab start in late August and pitched about three innings in a bridge camp game last Thursday, per CBS Sports. The right-hander, who won the NL Cy Young in 2021, is projected to make four starts before the regular season concludes.
Arizona is pursuing a wild-card spot and hopes Burnes can join fellow starters Eduardo Rodriguez and Brandon Pfaadt to bolster the rotation. CBS Sports notes that other starters, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, have struggled in 2026, with Gallen returning from a long stint on the injured list.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks face a lineup shuffle for Tuesday's game. Sports Illustrated reports that star outfielder Corbin Carroll was scratched from the lineup just over an hour before first pitch due to low back discomfort, according to AZCentral's Nick Piecoro. In Carroll's absence, veteran Ildemaro Vargas will start at first base, while Tim Tawa moves to right field, Sports Illustrated reports.
Burnes will face a Kansas City Royals squad led by veteran righty Michael Wacha, who has won four consecutive starts, CBS Sports reports.