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Corbin Burnes’ afternoon on the mound for the Diamondbacks came to an early end in the top of the fifth inning when he suffered an elbow injury. The Diamondbacks won Sunday’s game, 3-1, in
the end, but there is now concern for Burnes’ status moving forward. Burnes gave up a base hit to Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams and appeared to be in immediate discomfort. The right-hander
quickly waved for the trainer, and at one point, it seemed as though he said that his “elbow is done, it’s dead.” Burnes eventually walked off the field following a conversation with the
trainer, ending his day at 70 pitches and with the Diamondbacks up 3-0 at the time. He allowed a walk and struck out six batters across the 4 ⅔ innings. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo
told reporters after the game that it was right elbow discomfort and described the level of concern as “more than minimal,” according to baseball writer Jesse Friedman. EXPLORE MORE Burnes
will also undergo an MRI exam on Monday. USA TODAY reported that there’s “initial cautious optimism” that Burnes avoided a serious injury. “I don’t know any of the details other than what
I’m telling you right now. We’re going to remain as optimistic as possible that we’re going to get great news through the course of that MRI,” Lovullo said. Burnes signed a six-year, $210
million contract with Arizona prior to the start of the season, and he has gone 3-2 in 11 starts, while posting a 2.66 ERA and 63 strikeouts. The Diamondbacks have dealt with a number of
injuries to their pitching staff already this season, with Jordan Montgomery out for the season and Eduardo Rodríguez and A.J. Puk on the injured list.