KANSAS CITY, MO — Right-hander Ryne Nelson was scheduled to throw one inning and up to 25 pitches on Tuesday night, Sept. 8, in Triple-A Reno, after which he could find his way back from the injured list in a relief role.
Nelson made his first rehab outing on Saturday, Sept. 5, for High-A Visalia, retiring all three batters he faced with two strikeouts.
“He said he’s felt really good,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “The day after the Visalia outing felt good. Worked through the normal soreness in the normal spots. Anxious for today’s outing. But he’s in a good spot.”
Nelson has spent the majority of his major league career as a starter. What little time he spent in the bullpen primarily has been in long relief.
Once he returns, however, the Diamondbacks
are expected to use him in shorter bursts.
Roster moves add Corbin Burnes, Kade Strowd
The Diamondbacks on Tuesday, Sept. 8, added right-hander Corbin Burnes to the roster ahead of his season debut against the Royals. They also added right-hander Kade Strowd, giving them a fresh relief arm after the bullpen was used heavily the night before – and might be worked hard again depending on how deep Burnes is able to pitch.
Burnes is expected to throw somewhere around 60-65 pitches against the Royals, though Lovullo did not specifically offer a number during his session with reporters.
“There’s a very specific number we’re going to get very close to and not let him exceed,” Lovullo said. “He’s healthy and feels strong. Hopefully he can pitch into that fourth or fifth inning depending on what the overall number looks like. I know he’s very ready for this opportunity.”
Lovullo added: “I’m really excited for Corbin. I know how hard he has worked.”
Diamondbacks at Royals, 4:40 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks RHP Corbin Burnes (3-2, 2.66)* vs. Royals RHP Michael Wacha (9-8, 3.36).
* -- Stats from 2025.
At Kauffman Stadium: Burnes will be making his long-awaited return to the mound in what will be his first start in the majors since June 2025. … He signed a six-year, $210 million deal with the Diamondbacks in December 2024, then made 11 starts with his new team before going down with Tommy John surgery. … Burnes was perhaps a few weeks away from a return when a shoulder injury popped up during the summer, setting him back. … He logged three-plus innings in a rehab game against Angels minor leaguers last week. … Wacha gave up three runs in six innings against the Marlins in his most recent start. Prior to that, he struck out 10 in eight shutout innings against the Guardians. … He is in his third full season with the Royals (3.52 ERA in 516 innings). … In 10 career starts against the Diamondbacks, he has a 5.06 ERA.
Coming up
Wednesday, Sept. 9: At Kansas City, 4:40 p.m., Diamondbacks TBA vs. Royals LHP Daniel Lynch IV (4-5, 3.51).
Thursday, Sept. 10: Off.
Friday, Sept. 11: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (9-13, 5.06) vs. Rangers RHP Jacob deGrom (10-9, 3.96).
Saturday, Sept. 12: At Chase Field, 5:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (7-2, 3.53) vs. Rangers LHP MacKenzie Gore (8-10, 4.51).
(This story has been updated to add information.)
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks at Royals updates. Burnes' pitch count, Ryne Nelson news
