A Critical Blow to the Diamondbacks’ Rotation
The race for the postseason just got significantly more complicated for the Arizona Diamondbacks. In a move that sends ripples through the clubhouse and the fanbase, the team announced that right-hander Corbin Burnes has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation, retroactive to September 22.
To fill the void, the dbacks have recalled righty José Cabrera. This development comes at the worst possible time, as the “Snakes” are currently locked in a high-stakes battle for the final Wild Card spot.
The Warning Signs: A Decline in Velocity
For those following Burnes’ return from Tommy John surgery, the signs were there. After being reinstated just over two weeks ago, his performance showed a worrying downward trend. The numbers tell a clear story of a pitcher struggling to find his peak form:
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- First Outing: Sinker averaged 94.1 mph (3 scoreless innings).
- Second Outing: Velocity dropped to 93.1 mph (5 earned runs allowed).
- Third Outing: Velocity plummeted to 92.3 mph (4 earned runs allowed).
Given this steady decline in speed and the subsequent rise in runs allowed, it is evident that the shoulder inflammation was hindering his ability to compete at an elite level. While putting him “on ice” is the right move for his long-term health, it leaves Arizona in a precarious position.
The Wild Card Math: Can the Dbacks Survive?
Arizona has been hanging by a thread, but they’ve shown incredible resilience by winning five consecutive games. Currently, they sit two games back of the Philadelphia Phillies for the final Wild Card berth with only three games remaining in the regular season.
The silver lining? The Diamondbacks hold the tiebreaker. If they can even the score with Philadelphia, they punch their ticket to the postseason. However, the margin for error has now vanished.
Solving the Rotation Puzzle
With Burnes out, the pitching staff must improvise. The upcoming schedule is a gauntlet, and the rotation is thin:
- Tonight: Brandon Pfaadt is scheduled to take the mound.
- Sunday: Michael Soroka will start the final game.
- The Saturday Gap: This is the primary concern. With Eduardo Rodríguez and Merrill Kelly unavailable, the team may turn to Ryne Nelson. Nelson is also returning from a lengthy IL stint and isn’t fully stretched out, making him a risky bet as a full starter or a bulk pitcher in a bullpen game.
Even Zac Gallen, another returnee from the IL, has struggled this season with a 6.12 ERA, leaving the dbacks without a truly “safe” ace option heading into the final stretch.
The Bigger Picture: High-Stakes Contracts and Team Management
This situation reignites the debate surrounding the Diamondbacks’ strategy with high-priced free-agent pitchers. From Jordan Montgomery to Corbin Burnes, the team has struggled to find consistent stability with big-name signings. Burnes’ contract—a massive four-year, $140 million deal—now looks like a significant gamble given his injury history and recent performance.
Despite the meddling of ownership and the volatility of the rotation, GM Mike Hazen has managed to keep the team competitive. Whether they can overcome this latest hurdle depends on if the bullpen can hold firm and if the remaining starters can deliver quality innings against a motivated San Diego Padres squad.
For more real-time updates on MLB standings and injury reports, check out the official MLB.com portal.
Final Thoughts
The Diamondbacks are fighting an uphill battle. Losing a projected ace like Burnes right before the postseason is a nightmare scenario. However, this team has thrived on chaos all season. If they can manage to secure the Wild Card spot, they will have to assemble a makeshift playoff rotation, praying that Burnes can recover in time for the later rounds of the NLDS.
