SCOTTSDALE – Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes hit the putting green on Tuesday afternoon, making a celebrity appearance at the San Tan Ford Special Olympics Putting Challenge at the WM Phoenix Open.
The big question: when will he return to action on the diamond?
Burnes had Tommy John surgery in June of 2025 and pinpointed this July as his hopeful return. As that month draws closer, the Cy Young award winner says he’s “still on pace” to hit that goal.
“We put an aggressive timeline on it from the get-go,” Burnes said. “We were looking at the 12½, 13-month mark. We’re still on pace with that. I do whatever I can to make it shorter every day. The training staff does a great job of keeping me on track and making sure I don’t push myself too hard. Everything has been good. Anytime I can try to sneak it ahead a little I will, but to this point, still on pace.”
Burnes, who signed a six-year, $210 million contract with the Diamondbacks before last season, said no issues have popped up during the rehab process, which takes more than a calendar year to complete.
“Everything has been good,” Burnes said. “No issues so far. We’re probably about halfway through the throwing program, leading back into bullpens. It should look somewhat normal in Spring Training, being able to be out with the guys playing catch. Bullpens should start toward the end of camp, and then we’ll build up from there. Everything has been good so far.”
Burnes: Mike Hazen not done making moves
Burnes says he likes the way the Diamondbacks’ roster is shaping up, and said general manager Mike Hazen still has some moves remaining as Spring Training approaches.
“I don’t think Hazen is done yet,” Burnes said. “I think there is still some work that is left to do. But, yeah, it’s been good. We obviously had some holes we needed to fill. Added (Michael) Soroka to help out in the rotation. The trade for (Nolan) Arenado was great. We had some bullpen pieces added. Last time I talked to him, he wasn’t done yet. We’ll see what happens the rest of the offseason heading into camp. It should be a good season. We didn’t overly lose that much.”
Burnes enjoyed his time at the putting challenge, which featured Special Olympics Arizona athletes, local sports stars and business leaders from the community.
“I think this is my fourth or fifth year doing it now,” Burnes said. “Whenever Tim (Hovik) and his crew invite me, it’s a quick yes to get out here and be a part of this great event. Eventually we’ll have to boot the pros off the rest of the putting green so we can take over.”
