The Corbin Burnes injury could significantly impact the Arizona Diamondbacks‘ season. With the team struggling early, and more than two-thirds of the year remaining, Arizona is still in “win-now” mode. If Burnes misses significant time, their playoff hopes could quickly diminish.
Diamondbacks Plan For A Potential Corbin Burnes Injury
Ryne Nelson Could Be the Next Man Up in Arizona
Ryne Nelson has the experience to step in and fill the void in the short term. A primary starter up until this season, Nelson definitely has the stamina to toe the rubber every fifth day. The problem is, he may not have the talent to keep the Diamondbacks in contention.
Nelson, as a starter, has been far worse than his relief appearances have shown. Despite an 18-16 record, his underlying 4.67 ERA and .268 batting average against point toward an end of the rotation starter. Furthermore, his 44 home runs through 58 starts are also a red flag.
With the Burnes injury, Nelson becomes the most likely internal option for Arizona to turn to. Nelson could slot into the back of the rotation, but if this team wants to keep pace with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants in the west, they’ll need more.
Cristian Mena Could Provide Help From The Farm As Next Man Up In Arizona
Cristian Mena earned his cup of coffee in the majors in each of these last two seasons. Last year, in Mena’s only appearance, he was shelled to the tune of four runs in his three inning start.
The 22 year old prospect has been anything but dominant in AAA this season. While his 10.5 K/9 is promising, he has surrendered 9.3 hits/9 and appears to need more time to truly develop his secondary pitches to master the highest level. In Mena’s only big league appearance this year, he did manage a scoreless 3 2/3 innings while striking out five in relief.
CMena isn’t likely the next man up-yet, but the Diamondbacks #13 prospect isn’t far away – especially if the Burnes injury proves to be long-term.
11th Ranked Prospect Yu-Min Lin Could Make Case to Debut as Next Man Up
Yu-Min Lin, the Diamondbacks 21-year-old Taiwanese prospect, ranks as the #11 prospect in Arizona. This lefty features a fastball that touches 96 mph, leading a diverse pitch mix. His ability to mix in his sinker, changeup and pair of breaking-balls gives him the tools to be an everyday starter sooner than later.
Lin, like Mena, has struggled to miss bats at AAA this season. The Reno prospect has yet to win a game at his current level, and his 4.91 ERA through six starts is problematic. The biggest issue to date is his inability to locate his pitches. His 15 walks through 25 2/3 innings highlight control issues that have led to him falling behind in counts and offering up too many hittable pitches.
Yu-Min Lin should challenge Mena for a trip to The Show if the Diamondbacks look to the farm.
Yilber Diaz Has Struggled At AAA, But Desperation Could Force Arizona’s Hand
Throughout the Diamondbacks farm system, Yilber Diaz is rated by scouts as the top pitching prospect. The 24-year-old Venezuelan pitcher has the arm to play in the majors, as his fastball operates in the 95-97 mph range, occasionally hitting 99.
Through seven appearances with the Diamondbacks last season, Diaz flashed the potential to be the answer this season. Unfortunately, Diaz is yet to harness the magic he saw in 2024 to force his way to the major league roster.
Through his first eight starts this season, Diaz is sporting 7.80 ERA in the Pacific Coast League where the average is 5.17. Further, his command has been terrible. If the Diamondbacks look at the big picture, and ignore a slow start to 2025, they could plug in Diaz and watch him flourish. The Burnes injury could create a path for Diaz to get another shot at proving himself in the rotation.
Current Starters Will Need To Shoulder the Brunt As Next Man Up
The Diamondbacks will have to fill a spot in the rotation, but one thing is certain, the current starters will all need to step up to keep this team on track.
With Kelly, Zac Gallen and Brandon Pfaadt guiding the rotation, it will be a close contest to see who emerges as the staff leader.
While Kelly and Gallen have shown consistent success in the league, Pfaadt has come on strong this season, and currently leads the NL with seven wins.
If the Burnes injury lingers, it will take more than one arm to keep Arizona afloat. Whether it’s a seasoned vet like Nelson or a wild card like Diaz, the next man up could define the D-backs’ season.
Main Image: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
