Diamondbacks Clear Roster Spot for Zac Gallen by Placing Corbin Burnes on IL

Arizona makes room for Gallen's $22 million contract by sidelining Burnes, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have cleared a roster spot for newly signed right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen by placing right-hander Corbin Burnes on the 60-day injured list. Gallen signed a $22.025 million, one-year deal to return to Arizona, while Burnes is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to return around the All-Star break after posting a 3-2 record with a 2.66 ERA over 11 starts last season before getting injured.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks are making a big financial commitment to Gallen, who struggled in 2025 but has shown ace-level potential in the past. Placing Burnes on the IL clears a roster spot and allows the team to fit Gallen's contract under their payroll. This move signals Arizona's belief that Gallen can bounce back and anchor their rotation.

The details

Gallen signed a $22.025 million, one-year deal to return to the Diamondbacks after finishing the 2025 season with a 13-15 record and 4.83 ERA. He performed better after the All-Star break, posting a 3.97 ERA over his final 13 starts. Burnes, who signed a $210 million, six-year contract with the D-backs before last season, is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is expected to return around the All-Star break after going 3-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 11 starts before getting injured on June 1.

  • Gallen's $22.025 million, one-year deal was reported on Friday, February 14, 2026 and confirmed by the team on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • Burnes is expected to return around the All-Star break in July 2026.

The players

Zac Gallen

A right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who signed a $22.025 million, one-year contract to return to the team after struggling in 2025 but showing ace-level potential in the past.

Corbin Burnes

A right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who signed a $210 million, six-year contract with the team before the 2025 season. He is currently on the 60-day injured list recovering from Tommy John surgery after going 3-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 11 starts before getting injured on June 1, 2025.

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What’s next

The Diamondbacks will monitor Burnes' recovery from Tommy John surgery and hope he can return around the All-Star break in July 2026 to bolster their pitching rotation.

The takeaway

This move shows the Diamondbacks' commitment to Zac Gallen and their belief that he can bounce back after a down year in 2025. By clearing a roster spot for Gallen's $22 million contract, the team is signaling that he is a key part of their plans going forward as they aim to build a competitive rotation.