Corbin Burnes Hits the IL Again Just in Time to Ruin Arizona's Wild Card Hopes

The Diamondbacks just put Corbin Burnes back on the injured list, proving once again that pitching elbows are structurally made of wet paper towels.

Arizona is currently clinging to a half-game lead over the San Diego Padres for the final National League Wild Card spot. Losing your $210 million ace right before a massive head-to-head weekend series against those same Padres is the kind of script a Hollywood writer would get fired for turning in.

"MLB Trade Rumors reported the move, noting Burnes is headed back to the injured list."

Burnes just got back on the mound a few weeks ago after missing over a year recovering from UCL surgery. The return was less of a triumphant comeback and more of a warning light on the dashboard. He managed just three starts, surrendering nine runs over 10 and a third innings before his right elbow started barking again with inflammation.

Paying a guy $35 million a year to pitch 10 innings in September is tough math. For that kind of hourly rate, Burnes should at least be required to fix the stadium's plumbing or negotiate the team's next broadcast deal while he sits in the dugout.

If you were holding an Arizona pennant ticket, this is the exact moment you start sweating. The Diamondbacks have to navigate the final week of the season without their marquee rotation piece, putting immense pressure on the rest of a pitching staff that just gave up 16 runs in three games to the New York Yankees.

The Diamondbacks head to San Diego this weekend for a series that will likely decide their postseason fate. As for Burnes, he heads back to the medical staff, leaving Arizona fans to wonder if their massive free-agent investment will ever actually pitch in a playoff game for them.