Insider Gives New Injury Update on Corbin Burnes and Justin Martinez

The Arizona Diamondbacks got one of their injured arms back on Monday night, as right-hander Michael Soroka tossed 4.1 scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies.

But the reinforcements don't end there. The Diamondbacks are still looking to get some key arms back — in particular, ace starter Corbin Burnes and flamethrowing reliever Justin Martinez.

Arizona Sports 98.7's John Gambadoro had a pair of updates on those two pitchers and their rough expected timeline.

Corbin Burnes to return in short form

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo and pitcher Corbin Burnes (right) during spring training workouts on Feb. 10, 2026, at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Burnes has been aggressive every step of the way in his return from Tommy John surgery.

Unfortunately, a rapid timeline that originally anticipated him returning around the All-Star Break was pushed back due to a shoulder issue. According to Gambadoro, the ideal timeline for Burnes now will see him return around the first week of September, "if everything goes according to plan."

But because of the lengthy downtime and the bump in the road, Burnes may not be able to pitch a full starter's length right away. Gambadoro said he expects the ace to be limited to around 3-4 innings in the early goings of his return.

If everything goes according to plan back first week of September - BUT will be limited with innings and pitch count so don’t expect 5-6 innings early in return. More like 3-4. https://t.co/HvxUymjdKn
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) August 11, 2026

Burnes threw to a 2.66 ERA for Arizona in the first year of his six-year, $210 million deal, though he only made 11 starts before suffering the elbow injury.

The right-hander may need some time to get back to a form resembling his top-end ace status. Still, in a playoff race, it likely can't hurt to add a former Cy Young winner.

Justin Martinez's return to Diamondbacks imminent

Jun 4, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Justin Martinez (63) reacts after an out against the Atlanta Braves in the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Martinez, meanwhile, has already been on rehab assignment. Also a Tommy John surgery recipient, Martinez has thrown two scoreless innings for Class-A Visalia, and is expected to get into some games for the Triple-A Reno Aces this week. Torey Lovullo noted Tuesday as the anticipated day.

According to Gambadoro, Martinez will get "one or two more" rehab appearances before making his long-awaited return to the Diamondbacks' big league roster. Gambadoro highlighted either the upcoming series with the Atlanta Braves or ensuring set against the Boston Red Sox.

Looks like Justin Martinez will get one or two more outings before returning to the Diamondbacks next week on the road. l would expect either the final game of the Atlanta series on Sunday or first of the Boston series Monday.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) August 11, 2026

Martinez pitched to a 4.11 ERA in 2025, but that was inflated a bit due to a small sample size. He exited on June 9 alongside a trainer in a game against the Seattle Mariners and had to sit the remainder of 2025 after just 17 appearances.

Though many might hope to see Martinez closing games again soon with his triple-digit fastball, it's unlikely to see him used in a high-leverage role right away, and the Diamondbacks are likely going to be quite careful with his usage once he is eventually activated.

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