Overview
- Burnes underwent an MRI on Monday that confirmed a teres major (right lat) strain and prompted the club to halt his throwing progression.
- The injury followed a live batting-practice session in which Burnes reported tightness, and the team says the setback will sideline him for weeks rather than days.
- Club doctors found no new damage to his surgically repaired elbow, but Burnes will need to restart the throwing program and is now unlikely to return before September.
- Arizona has already adjusted its depth by optioning Brandon Pfaadt to Triple-A to be stretched out as a starter and by relying on the current rotation to cover innings.
- The delay removes a planned midseason boost for a team chasing a playoff spot and raises short-term roster and trade-deadline questions for a club carrying Burnes on a six-year, $210 million contract.