Burnes Returns, Stays With D-backs | MLB News

Corbin Burnes is back on the mound, tossing three scoreless innings after Tommy John surgery, and the Arizona Diamondbacks are cautiously optimistic. With a $210M, six-year contract featuring an opt-out clause after 2026, Burnes has $140M still guaranteed — making a free-agent jump unlikely. Before even considering leaving, he must prove his pre-injury form, especially after his abbreviated 2023 season ended with a 2.66 ERA in 11 starts. The team’s pitch-count limits are easing as they aim to ramp him up for a full workload — a critical move if they hope to make a postseason run. For now, financial security and performance recovery point...