Arizona's victory overshadowed by Corbin Burnes injury scare—manager provides concerning elbow update postgame

The Arizona Diamondbacks finally ended their four-game losing streak on Sunday with a 3-1 win over the Washington Nationals, powered by a first-inning blast from Eugenio Suárez. But the celebration at Chase Field was short-lived as concern quickly shifted to star pitcher Corbin Burnes, who exited the game in the fifth inning due to right elbow discomfort.

Diamondbacks defeat Nationals, but all eyes on Corbin Burnes

Arizona came out swinging early. Ketel Marte sparked the offense with a leadoff single, later scoring on a double from Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Suárez followed it up with a towering 466-foot home run to center field — his 15th of the season — tying him with Kyle Schwarber for the fifth-longest homer this year. Only Mike Trout has gone deeper in 2024, with a 484-foot shot back in April.

But the Diamondbacks' offense cooled off after that explosive first inning — they didn’t record another hit for the rest of the game. Fortunately, Burnes had given them enough cushion before his early departure.

Corbin Burnes left today's game after an apparent elbow injury

"My elbow's done, it's dead." pic.twitter.com/UuVfu4agwn

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 1, 2025

Through 4 2/3 innings, Burnes struck out six and allowed just one earned run, keeping the Nationals at bay. However, after his 70th pitch and with CJ Abrams on base, Burnes signaled to the dugout and appeared to say “My elbow” to a teammate before walking off the mound. The sight left fans at Chase Field stunned and the team in a state of concern.

“He had discomfort in his right elbow and will have an MRI on Monday,” manager Torey Lovullo informed reporters postgame. The skipper also confirmed that Burnes would remain in Arizona while the team hits the road for a series in Atlanta. “We’re remaining as optimistic as possible,” Lovullo added, although the full extent of the injury remains unknown until test results come in.

This season marks Burnes’ debut year with Arizona after signing a massive six-year, $210 million deal in the offseason. So far, he’s lived up to the billing, posting an impressive 2.66 ERA and tallying 63 strikeouts in just over 64 innings pitched. His potential absence would be a major blow to the Diamondbacks’ rotation — and their postseason hopes.

For now, Arizona gets a much-needed win. But with Burnes’ status in limbo, it’s a bittersweet victory that leaves more questions than answers.

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