D-backs vs Rangers Preview: Burnes Returns, Injuries Loom | Beatline Diamondbacks

Segment one, the pitching matchup.

Okay, Kevin, let's talk about the elephant in the room, Corbin Burns.

Last time we talked, you mentioned his return from Tommy John was crucial.

Tonight, he's on the mound against the Rangers.

What do you see in his mechanics?

I see confidence.

And frankly, I see velocity that scares me.

He's been throwing mid-90s consistently in his rehab starts.

Against a Rangers lineup that has struggled with high-velocity fastballs all year, this is exactly the matchup Arizona needs.

Right, and remember, he's facing a team that's 72-75.

They aren't the powerhouse Rangers we saw earlier in the decade.

But their offense can still bite if you leave something over the plate.

Do you think Burns goes deep tonight?

He should.

His strikeout rate has been elite since returning.

If he stays within the zone early, he can set up the slider beautifully.

The key is pitch count.

If he gets through five innings cleanly, the bullpen can mop up.

If he struggles to find his command, we're in trouble.

That's fair.

And speaking of the bullpen, we know the workload has been heavy.

With Conor Seabold, James MacArthur, Andrew Salfrink, and Tony Gonsolin all out long term, every arm in that relief core matters tonight.

How worried are you about fatigue?

Very.

I'm very worried.

Segment one, the pitching matchup.

Okay, Kevin, let's talk about the elephant in the room, Corbin Burns.

Last time we talked, you mentioned his return from Tommy John was crucial.

Tonight, he's on the mound against the Rangers.

What do you see in his mechanics?

I see confidence.

And frankly, I see velocity that scares me.

He's been throwing mid-90s consistently in his rehab starts.

Against a Rangers lineup that has struggled with high-velocity fastballs all year, this is exactly the matchup Arizona needs.

Right, and remember, he's facing a team that's 72-75.

They aren't the powerhouse Rangers we saw earlier in the decade.

But their offense can still bite if you leave something over the plate.

Do you think Burns goes deep tonight?

He should.

His strikeout rate has been elite since returning.

If he stays within the zone early, he can set up the slider beautifully.

The key is pitch count.

If he gets through five innings cleanly, the bullpen can mop up.

If he struggles to find his command, we're in trouble.

That's fair.

And speaking of the bullpen, we know the workload has been heavy.

With Conor Seabold, James MacArthur, Andrew Salfrink, and Tony Gonsolin all out long term, every arm in that relief core matters tonight.

How worried are you about fatigue?

Very.

I'm very worried.