The Pittsburgh Pirates lost their first game since Mar. 26, a span of six games with a 6-2 defeat against the New York Yankees Thursday. A.J. Burnett pitched the first four innings. Though he did not allow a run against his former team, Burnett did allow six hits and a walk. Burnett's spring is done with a 4.86 ERA allowing 15 hits in 16.2 innings pitched. Burnett nearly allowed at least one run to score in the fourth inning, however Josh Harrison made a diving stop and a strong throw to ... Read More
Pirates rotation provides plenty of depth
The Pittsburgh Pirates have assembled its starting pitching rotation well ahead of Sunday's 3 p.m. deadline to finalize a 25-man roster. Last season, the Pirates ranked eighth in all of Major League Baseball and fifth in the National League with a 3.47 ERA and ranked fourth with a 3.05 ERA in the second half of the season. Pirates starters combined for a 3.60 ERA, seven shutouts, two complete games, a .249 batting average against and 798 strikeouts in 971 innings of work. Though the ... Read More
Burnett, Cervelli have on-field reunion in victory
The Pittsburgh Pirates used three home runs to power a 7-6 Spring Training victory Monday against the Tampa Rays. The game was the first time A.J. Burnett and Francisco Cervelli, both former New York Yankees, played together since 2011. Burnett received a no-decision throwing 4.2 innings while allowing three hits and five runs. Two of those runs came in the first inning on an RBI ground out from Asdrubal Cabrera and a run-scoring single from James Loney. "I told him [Cervelli] where I ... Read More
Liriano to start opening day; Pirates lose to Astros
Jeff Locke's quest for a spot in the Pirates rotation took a hit during Tuesday's 13-7 loss to the Houston Astros. On a day when Francisco Liriano was revealed to be the Opening Day pitcher in Cincinnati, Locke pitched three-plus innings, allowing seven hits, six runs and a walk. “I just left some pitches over the plate,” Locke said. “They just fell in.” Locke is battling with Vance Worley for the final position in the Pirates rotation and currently, the Spring Training statistics favor ... Read More
Burnett shaky in Pirates loss
The Pittsburgh Pirates continued their Spring Training scheduled with a 5-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox Thursday. The Pirates are now 4-4-2 on the spring. This contest marked the Pirates third sellout of the spring in five home games, and the 8,455 people in attendance represented the third-largest crowd at McKechnie Field. Clay Buchholz picked up the win for the Red Sox and is 2-0 this spring, while A.J. Burnett earned his first loss. Burnett pitched 2.1 innings and while he did not allow ... Read More
Pirates spring training: Three things to watch
1) Pedro Alvarez's move to first Alvarez has the potential to be a 30+ home run guy — as seen during the 2013 season — but his defensive struggles last season may have aided in his lack of offense (.231/.312/.405 slash with 18 home runs in 122 games). Although he didn't attend voluntary workouts in Bradenton, Alvarez has reportedly been working out in Nashville during the offseason and is at 100% health going into spring training. A change to first could help Alvarez focus solely on his ... Read More
Pirates sign A.J. Burnett to one-year deal
The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to be active in the free agent market by signing A.J. Burnett to a one-year $8.5 million contract. Burnett went 26-21 with a 3.41 ERA and 389 strikeouts in 61 starts (393 1/3 IP) for the Pirates during his two-year stint with the club between 2012-2013. Burnett opted out of a $12.75 million club option with the Phillies to pitch for a contender. Follow @TBerardi_PSN (Photo Credit: Mitchell Leff / Getty Images) ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates trade rumors: Pirates linked to multiple pitchers
The Pirates find themselves in the midst of another playoff run which means they will look to be buyers once again on the trade market. With the recent injury bug to the starting rotation and troubles in the bullpen, the team has been seen looking at some potential arms to acquire. A.J. Burnett: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports the Pirates have "mild at best" interest in the former Pirate as they are not on Burnett's no-trade clause. However, Heyman believes the Pirates wont trade for Burnett ... Read More
Robin Bests Batman as Pirates Sweep Phillies
Jeff Locke and A.J. Burnett gave the crowd of 33,403 at PNC Park exactly what they wanted. A pitchers duel as Locke and the Pirates bested his mentor and the Phillies 6-2 on Sunday afternoon. Locke was stellar once again allowing two runs (one earned) over eight innings allowing only three hits. The Phillies (37-51) got on the board in the first with two out. Jimmy Rollins reached and advanced to second on a Pedro Alvarez throwing error into the stands. Marlon Byrd followed with a RBI ... Read More
Burnett Excited to Face Locke on Sunday
A.J. Burnett hasn't stepped onto the mound at PNC Park since September 21, 2013 (7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER in 4-2 W vs. CIN). He will get the chance on Sunday afternoon to come back to that mound, only this time as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. He will also be opposing the man that looked up to him during his time as a Pirate in Jeff Locke. "It's good to come back," said Burnett. "We stayed downtown and I got to walk around a little bit with Locke, my nemesis for Sunday, but it's always ... Read More