Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett will not see his career cut short by injury. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports has reported that the right-handed pitcher has a strained flexor tendon and his UCL is intact.
“Anytime you’re not on the field it’s frustrating, but of all of the news that came this was the most positive,” Burnett said. “I did a PRP shot today after the MRI and we’ll go from there. It’s a matter of resting and healing. We’re shooting for four weeks and waiting for the pain to go away.”
Burnett has made it clear since December that he intended on this season being his last and this news gives him the possibility that his career will continue. He did reaffirm to the media Monday that this will be his last season.
Burnett was named to the 2015 MLB All-Star Game, his first selection after posting a 7-3 record with a 2.11 ERA. He made it clear that he wanted this honor for his sons Allan Jr. and Ashton.
The second half has been a rough one for Burnett as he allowed 18 earned runs and 32 hits in 16 innings of work. His ERA elevated to 3.06 ERA and his second half ERA currently is 10.13.
Burnett stated to Josh Yohe of DK on Pittsburgh Sports that Burnett first felt the injury in his start Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds and his fastball velocity dipped to 85-87 miles-per-hour in the early innings of the appearance. Burnett who pitched through an inguinal hernia in 2014 attempted to push through the discomfort throwing as hard as he could. Though he threw a season high 95 miles-per-hour it did more harm than good.
Following the outing, Burnett told reporters he was physically feeling fine, though he reporting the elbow discomfort to the team. This influenced the Pirates making a trade to acquire J.A. Happ at the trade deadline.
Burnett was prepared for either good or bad news. 12 years ago, Burnett had Tommy John surgery so he knew what the worst case scenario was.
Though Burnett does not necessarily get to end his major league career on his terms, he still has a chance to toe a major league mound again.
“The fact that I can get back on the mound healthy is what I’m going for,” said Burnett. “If it feels like it did a couple of months ago I obviously can’t go on the mound. This is the news and situation where I can get back to where I need to compete and not have anything in the back of my mind.”
The timetable for Burnett’s return is approximately four weeks.
“I feel 100 percent positive that I will return,” Burnett said.
Burnett noted the support he has received from fans and called it humbling and is looking forward to his return.
“I’ve given my heart to these guys and this city the best I could coming back,” said Burnett. “I’m very pleased to get that opportunity to that again in four weeks.””
Photo credit: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
