Corbin Burnes continues to build momentum this Spring Training, having completed his third start against the Chicago Cubs. The Arizona Diamondbacks expect him to make a total of six starts before the regular season begins. Burnes, now halfway through his preparation, emphasizes that he judges his performances by how his body feels and the effectiveness of his pitches, rather than the raw numbers he posts against various competitors.

In his last outing, he pitched 2.1 innings, striking out two but allowing one run on two hits. Focused on developing his breaking balls, particularly the curveball, he was pleased with their performance, though his sinker and cutter did not meet his expectations. Burnes’ velocity is notably impressive, reaching up to 96.9 mph with his sinker, attributed largely to adjustments made with new pitching coach Brian Kaplan.

Burnes also highlighted the importance of establishing rapport with his catchers, including Adrian Del Castillo, who caught him for the first time this Spring. This dynamic is crucial for a successful season, and Burnes is committed to honing these relationships. Off the field, Burnes engaged with teammates by arranging a taco truck lunch, further fostering team camaraderie. As the Diamondbacks look to compete in October, Burnes is perceived as a vital leader, embodying both professionalism and a strong commitment to the team's success.