Thu Mar 27 20:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Diamondbacks’ $210 Million Ace Burnes to Start Fifth Game, Not Opening Day

**PHOENIX, AZ** – Arizona Diamondbacks’ newly acquired ace Corbin Burnes, who signed a six-year, $210 million contract this offseason, will not start on Opening Day. Instead, the right-hander will begin his Diamondbacks career in the fifth game of the season, a decision stemming from a scheduling conflict and a newfound appreciation by manager Torey Lovullo for Burnes’ meticulous routine.

The initial uncertainty surrounded whether Burnes or Zac Gallen would take the mound on Opening Day. Manager Lovullo’s delayed decision, announced late in spring training, left insufficient time to adjust Burnes’ schedule to pitch on less than a week’s rest for the second game. This led to a conversation between Burnes and Lovullo, where Burnes emphasized the importance of his established routine – a key factor in his career resurgence and the reason, he argued, for the substantial contract.

Burnes, who credits his success to a detailed daily plan developed with mental fitness coach Brian Cain, explained that altering his routine would compromise his performance. He’ll now pitch in a spring training game Wednesday, before starting against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 1st.

Manager Lovullo acknowledged his oversight, stating, “That was probably a technical error on my part. Corbin is a very routine-oriented player, and I had yet to understand that until recently.” He expressed his commitment to involving Burnes in future scheduling discussions to ensure his routine is respected. While unscheduled off-days may occasionally shift his starts, Burnes confirmed he can adapt provided sufficient advance notice. The team will now work collaboratively to manage his schedule going forward.

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