SCOTTSDALE — Pitchers and catchers have reported on Tuesday morning, and for the Arizona Diamondbacks, that also means updates on a trio of pitchers who missed large portions of the 2025 season. May 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) throws during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
SCOTTSDALE — Pitchers and catchers have reported on Tuesday morning, and for the Arizona Diamondbacks, that also means updates on a trio of pitchers who missed large portions of the 2025 season.
May 21, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) throws during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Corbin Burnes, A.J. Puk, and Justin Martinez each went down with injuries at different points last season, and their absences were overwhelmingly felt. Cy Young Award winner Burnes left the starting rotation without one of its most reliable arms, while Puk and Martinez — key stabilizers in the bullpen — were unavailable during the team’s most crucial games down the stretch.
Each pitcher underwent a different procedure to address their injury. Burnes and Martinez both had Tommy John surgery, while Puk received an internal brace procedure on his left elbow.
Now, all three have at least a tentative timeline for their returns.
Apr 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez (63) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
According to AZCentral’s Nick Piecoro, Burnes is hoping to return around the All-Star break. Puk believes he could be back as early as May, though he isn’t sure the team will allow him to return that soon. Even so, he anticipates being back before the other two. Martinez is targeting an August return to the mound.
The Diamondbacks were forced to navigate much of last season with a heavily depleted pitching staff. With several core arms — such as Andrew Saalfrank — expected to miss the entire year, it’s an encouraging sign that Burnes, Puk, and Martinez are progressing well and feeling optimistic about their recoveries.
Apr 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher A.J. Puk (33) pitches in the ninth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Even if none are ready for Opening Day, the significance of having reinforcements later in the season can’t be overstated.
As the stakes rise in the final months, getting some of the Diamondbacks’ strongest and most reliable arms back could prove critical to their success.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Category: General Sports
