The current injury epidemic in Major League Baseball is alarming, particularly among pitchers. A.J. Smith-Shawver of the Atlanta Braves had elbow reconstruction surgery (Tommy John surgery) and will miss the season, with a potential return not expected until after the All-Star break in 2026. Other notable pitchers such as Ben Lively, Jackson Jobe, and Jake Cousins have also undergone similar surgeries recently.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are particularly hard-hit, with three pitchers needing Tommy John in June alone, including staff ace Corbin Burnes. The trend raises questions about whether the increase in elbow injuries is a product of the modern game, particularly the emphasis on velocity, or simply the nature of pitching itself.

The Arizona Diamondbacks face a mounting crisis as injuries plague their roster. After pitcher Corbin Burnes underwent Tommy John surgery, the situation worsened with relief pitcher A.J. Puk also heading for the same fate. The injury bug has now bitten the batting lineup, starting with catcher Gabriel Moreno, who broke his finger and was placed on the injured list.

Home run leader Eugenio Suarez is sidelined due to a hit by pitch, and rookie sensation Corbin Carroll has been diagnosed with a chip fracture in his wrist. Carroll’s absence, expected to last until after the All-Star break, significantly impacts a lineup already struggling to stay competitive in the tough NL West division, where they sit 2.5 games out of a Wild Card spot and trail the Dodgers by 7.5 games.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have had a tumultuous season, beginning with a nine-game losing streak that left them four games under .500 at the end of May. However, they've turned their fortunes around in June, posting a 9-3 record, including a thrilling five-run ninth inning walk-off win. Currently 36-34, they sit 5.5 games behind the NL West leaders and 2.5 games out of the third wild-card spot, making them a team to watch closely as the trade deadline approaches. With the loss of ace Corbin Burnes to Tommy John surgery, the pressure mounts on general manager Mike Hazen to either bolster their roster or consider selling key assets if they fall further behind.

Hazen expressed his commitment to winning, emphasizing that he doesn't want to oversee a team that simply plays out the string with little hope of contention. The team boasts valuable players such as Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, both of whom are free agents at season's end, creating potential trade bait. As the All-Star Game approaches, the Diamondbacks' decisions will be pivotal in determining their direction for the remainder of the season.

Jacob Misiorowski made a stunning debut for the Milwaukee Brewers, throwing five no-hit innings before cramping forced him to exit. His performance contributed to a remarkable collective effort, as the Brewers held the New York Yankees hitless for over ten innings on September 10, 2023, but ultimately lost the game. This marked the 37th time in franchise history that a Brewers pitcher took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, with only two games resulting in a complete no-hitter for the team.

The history of near-misses for the Brewers highlights a legacy of pitching prowess. Corbin Burnes, renowned for his ability to dominate hitters, has had multiple near-no-hitters, including an eight-inning performance against the Yankees where a crucial double broke up the bid. Other notable instances include Odell Jones and Jim Slaton, who were tantalizingly close to completing no-hitters only to falter in the final innings. The Brewers' history showcases both the thrill and heartbreak that accompany such close calls.