Corbin Burnes is done for the season.
The Diamondbacks ace was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, manager Torey Lovullo said Friday, and as a result, Burnes, 30, will need to undergo Tommy John surgery.
The procedure will be performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles.
The 2021 Cy Young Award winner exited his June 1 start against the Nationals during the fifth inning after experiencing discomfort in the elbow on his pitching arm.
He had allowed only one run on four hits over 4⅔ innings, while also striking out six batters in his start.
And the worst fears were confirmed not long after.
“We’re all with Corbin right now,” Lovullo told reporters Friday. “This is a tough day to get this news. But we’ll find a way to rally around him, play hard for him all year long. … It’s a long road, and it takes time for him to heal and recover. And he will. He’ll be great for the Arizona Diamondbacks, I’m convinced of it.”
This offseason, Burnes signed a massive six-year, $210 million contract — the largest in franchise history — that includes a potential opt-out following next season.
The four-time All-Star’s season ended after just 11 starts.
He compiled a 3-2 record with an impressive 2.66 ERA, 63 strikeouts and a 1.17 WHIP over 64⅓ innings.
Across his last seven outings, Burnes had put forth his best effort of the season so far with a 1.67 ERA.
The injury is a massive blow for the Diamondbacks, who are 31-31 and fourth in a competitive National League West.
Prior to joining Arizona, Burnes had stints with the Brewers and Orioles, holding a 3.15 ERA with 1,114 strikeouts over 210 career appearances.
