Diamondbacks snap skid, but Burnes exits early with elbow discomfort
PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Diamondbacks ended a frustrating four-game losing streak Sunday afternoon with a 3-1 win over the Washington Nationals, but the victory was overshadowed by the early exit of their ace, Corbin Burnes.
Burnes was cruising through 4.2 scoreless innings before showing signs of discomfort on the mound. After allowing a two-out single to CJ Abrams, his velocity dropped noticeably, and moments later he signaled to the dugout.
He left the game with right elbow tightness and will undergo imaging Monday. The club plans to keep him in Phoenix while the team travels.
Arizona jumped out to an early lead with all three of its runs coming in the bottom of the first. Ketel Marte led off with a single and advanced to second on a deep flyout. He scored on a double by Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and two batters later, Eugenio Suarez launched a 466-foot home run to left.
The offense stalled after that. Arizona didn't record another hit the rest of the game, but managed to hold off the Nationals behind a strong showing from the bullpen.
Left-hander Jalen Beeks allowed Burnes' lone inherited runner to score but escaped further damage. Recently promoted Cristian Mena stepped up in long relief, tossing two scoreless innings. Shelby Miller handled the eighth cleanly, and Justin Martinez earned the save with a dominant ninth.
Arizona improved to 28-31 on the season and avoided a sweep to close a 2-4 homestand. The team is off Monday before opening a three-game road series against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.
With Burnes' status unclear and Eduardo Rodriguez expected to return from the injured list soon, Arizona's pitching plans could shift significantly in the coming days.
