Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes is hoping he can come back much sooner than early September as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery and a shoulder strain.
Burnes is throwing off flat ground from 105 feet and will begin his bullpen progression this week, manager Torey Lovullo said prior to the Diamondbacks' Monday, Aug. 3, series opener against the San Diego Padres
at Chase Field."He was just in my office when I came in here and said he feels really good," Lovullo said. "He is very encouraged by how he's feeling; he's very anxious to get back.
"He understands what's going on here, and if there's anybody that will cut things short and make it happen as fast as possible, it's Corbin Burnes."
Burnes seemed to say the same while
at his locker Monday. He said he will take things from one bullpen session to the next and that the training staff is telling him he will be back before early September.
"Everything's been feeling great; we'll see how the bullpen session goes (Tuesday)," Burnes said. "They're going to say a number and I'm going to cut it in half, so we'll see what happens. The competitor in me wants to go."
Other players on the Diamondbacks' injured list are coming along. Right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen is throwing out to 120 feet, and the next update on his right shoulder soreness is expected on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (right adductor strain) is increasing physical activity and has a medical update set for Wednesday.
Right-handed pitcher Drey Jameson (right hip inflammation) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session and is scheduled for a simulated game on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Several other Diamondbacks are out on rehab assignments and getting closer to returning to playing games. Outfielder Jordan Lawlar (right hamstring strain) is set to play games at Double-A Amarillo Tuesday and Wednesday. Relief pitcher Justin Martinez (elbow surgery recovery) will pitch at Low-A Visalia on Tuesday.
"He is going to have a progression that is not going to be changed," Lovullo said of Martinez. "It's going to be (Tuesday) and Friday and then we'll see what it looks like after that."
Right-hander Michael Soroka has thrown four bullpens, a simulated game, a "bridge" camp game at Salt River Fields and will throw four innings and 65 pitches at Triple-A Reno on Monday night.
Throwing on Tuesday will be left-hander Blake Walston, who has had a long recovery from UCL surgery.
Outfielder Tommy Troy (sprained AC joint) is going to start playing bridge camp games this week, Lovullo said. His range of motion is improving.
—Jose M. Romero
Diamondbacks vs. Padres, 6:40 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (10-3, 2.48) vs. Padres RHP Michael King (6-7, 3.38).
At Chase Field: Rodriguez is coming off one of his best starts of an All-Star campaign, in which he shut out the Pittsburgh Pirates for eight innings on five hits. The Diamondbacks' leader in earned run average, starts, wins, innings and strikeouts looks to continue his impressive season. Rodriguez has a 1-2 mark in four career starts against the Padres to go with a 3.74 ERA. ... King allowed four runs on six hits in six innings on July 28 against Colorado. He also pitched six innings for a win over Arizona on July 8 in San Diego. King is 3-0 with a 1.05 ERA in five career starts against the Diamondbacks.
Coming up
Tuesday, Aug. 4: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (5-1, 4.00) vs. Padres TBA.
Wednesday, Aug. 5: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Mitch Bratt (0-1, 5.23) vs. Padres TBA.
Thursday, Aug. 6: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Kohl Drake (0-0, 4.85) vs. Padres RHP Walker Buehler (6-5, 5.18).
(This story has been updated to add information.)
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks vs Padres live updates. Interesting news on Corbin Burnes
