Arizona Diamondbacks
PITCHER HEALTH
Preseason 2026 injury analysis, durability risk profiles, and return timelines for the Arizona Diamondbacks pitching rotation.
Cross-check active roster status with official club announcements.
ROTATION OUTLOOK
Arizona's staff is under extreme pressure with Burnes and Walston sidelined by Tommy John surgeries, while the bullpen depth is challenged by Saalfrank's shoulder procedure.
KEY PITCHERS
Merrill Kelly
RHP • #1 Starter
Injury History
Back tightness (02/21/26). Projected Injured List. Questionable for Opening Day.
Durability Risk Profile
Kelly is the healthy anchor of the rotation. Low injury risk based on consistent professional durability.
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Corbin Burnes
SP • #2 Starter
Injury History
Tommy John surgery (Jun '25). 60-Day IL. Out until at least mid-July.
Durability Risk Profile
Major setback for the newly-signed ace. His return to 2026 action will be a high-risk wildcard for the playoff race.
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Blake Walston
SP • #3 Starter
Injury History
Tommy John surgery (Mar '25). Projected Injured List. Questionable for Opening Day.
Durability Risk Profile
Walston is nearing the end of rehab. His effectiveness as a depth starter is dependent on velocity recovery in early summer.
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Andrew Saalfrank
RP • #4 Starter
Injury History
Shoulder surgery (02/09/26). 60-Day IL. Out for 2026 season.
Durability Risk Profile
Saalfrank sidelined for 2026. Shoulder surgeries for relievers are high-risk for long-term power retention.
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Justin Martinez
RP • #5 Starter
Injury History
Tommy John surgery (Jun '25). 60-Day IL. Out until at least August.
Durability Risk Profile
Major loss for the bullpen depth. Martinez will focus on late-season relief role post-rehab.
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A.J. Puk
RP • #6 Starter
Injury History
Tommy John surgery (internal brace) (06/19/25). 60-Day IL. Out until at least June.
Durability Risk Profile
Puk faces his second major elbow procedure. Extreme reliability risk post-recovery.
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Colin Selby
RP • #7 Starter
Injury History
Shoulder inflammation (Feb '26). 60-Day IL. No timetable for return.
Durability Risk Profile
Late-spring shoulder issues for relievers are high-risk indicators. Durability is a major concern for 2026.
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Ryne Nelson
RHP • #8 Starter
Injury History
Generally healthy entering 2026. Minimal major arm injuries on record.
Durability Risk Profile
Nelson provides critical healthy innings. Lowest risk among current rotation options.
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