Overview
- MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported that Burnes suffered a lat strain and was shut down, while Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said an MRI showed a teres major strain behind Burnes’s right shoulder.
- Lovullo said the injury occurred during a live batting-practice session and is expected to sideline Burnes for weeks rather than days.
- Team officials say Burnes will have to essentially restart his throwing progression once cleared, which pushes a previously targeted midseason return toward a hoped-for September comeback and casts doubt on a 2026 return.
- The Diamondbacks are 32-28 and sitting third in the NL West, so losing their ace for an extended stretch removes a planned rotation anchor and could affect their late-season playoff push.
- Tommy John rehab commonly takes 12 to 18 months and secondary shoulder strains can meaningfully delay recovery, so this report remains developing and awaits further medical confirmation from the club.