Injured Diamondbacks pitchers optimistic about returns

Three of Arizona's top pitchers are recovering from elbow surgeries, but expect to be back by mid-season.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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As the Arizona Diamondbacks opened spring training, the focus was on three of the team's top pitchers - Corbin Burnes, A.J. Puk, and Justin Martinez - who are all recovering from elbow surgeries. While they won't be ready for the start of the season, the trio expressed optimism about returning at various points in the first half of the year, with Burnes targeting the All-Star break and Puk and Martinez aiming for the first and second halves, respectively.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks are a few years removed from an unexpected World Series run, and the injuries to their top pitchers raise questions about the team's expectations for the upcoming season. However, the team is hoping that some of their younger relief arms can step up and provide depth while the injured starters work their way back.

The details

Burnes, Puk, and Martinez were the focus of attention as the Diamondbacks opened spring training, with reporters eager to find out when the injured trio might return. Burnes, the team's ace, is targeting a return around the All-Star break in July, while Puk and Martinez are aiming for the first and second halves of the season, respectively. Puk, who underwent a less invasive internal brace procedure, believes he could return as early as May, though the team may hold him back. Martinez, who is recovering from his second elbow surgery, is eyeing a late August return.

  • The Diamondbacks' pitchers and catchers held their first official workout of spring training on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • Burnes expects to start throwing off the mound in mid-to-late March.
  • Puk said he has bullpens scheduled for the end of March and will go from there.
  • Burnes is targeting a return around the All-Star break in July.
  • Puk is aiming for a return in early May, though the team may hold him back.

The players

Corbin Burnes

The Diamondbacks' ace pitcher, who is recovering from elbow surgery and targeting a return around the All-Star break in July.

A.J. Puk

A top relief pitcher for the Diamondbacks, who is recovering from an internal brace procedure and expects to return earlier than his teammates.

Justin Martinez

A Diamondbacks pitcher who is recovering from his second elbow surgery and is eyeing a late August return.

Mike Hazen

The Diamondbacks' general manager, who acknowledged that the team is in a 'slightly different place' than a year ago due to the injuries, but maintained that there is 'no ceiling' on what the team can accomplish.

Torey Lovullo

The Diamondbacks' manager, who said the injuries offer a 'great challenge' and 'great opportunity' for the team's younger players to step up.

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What they’re saying

“There's no ceiling on what these guys are able to accomplish, in my mind. I don't have expectations going out into the season other than we're going to play our best baseball starting on Day 1.”

— Mike Hazen, General Manager (azcentral.com)

“When you talk about continuity, the ability to get your best players out there, of course, we're a little bit behind the 8-ball. But it offers us a great challenge and offers a great opportunity for some of the understudies and some of the younger players to come on and do their job and be recognized and collect big outs in big moments.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager (azcentral.com)

“If it was my timeline, it would be the end of March. I tell them (the training staff) that every day, and they don't think it's funny at this point. I think we're still good for that mid-July. I'm going to try to make it sooner. Every day I'm in here, I'm going to try to make it sooner.”

— Corbin Burnes (azcentral.com)

“I just know I have bullpens at the end of March and I'll keep going from there. I'll be before that.”

— A.J. Puk (azcentral.com)

“Maybe late in August. That's what I've got in my mind right now. It could be earlier, it could be later.”

— Justin Martinez (azcentral.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.