Brian

Burres

The 25-year-old lefty had a strong season at Triple-A Ottawa, going 10-6, 3.76 in 26 starts with 110 strikeouts in 139 innings. Even if doesn’t get the call, Burres has probably worked his way back into the Orioles’ plans with his solid 2006.

Jeff Locke is likely the favorite, though Brian Burres and Aaron Thompson are also under consideration. None should be considered fantasy options even though the Brewers figure to field their “B” lineup.

Burres can become a free agent. The 30-year-old left-hander spent most of the 2011 season at the Triple-A level, but posted a 3.86 ERA and 10/4 K/BB ratio over 14 innings with the big club.

The deal also includes an invite to spring raining. Burres, who was originally drafted by the Giants in 2000, spent most of the 2011 season at the Triple-A level in the Pirates’ organization, but posted a 3.86 ERA and 10/4 K/BB ratio over 14 innings in the majors. The 30-year-old southpaw is a longshot to make the Opening Day roster.

Burres spent all of last season in the minors with the Giants, posting a 5.40 ERA over 19 starts at the Triple-A level. He’ll turn 32 in April.

“In my opinion, I think he deserves an opportunity to continue to pitch,” said Pirates manager John Russell. It’s hard to argue against him. Burres, 29, has a 4.09 ERA over five games (three starts) this season. He hasn’t allowed an earned run over his last two starts (12 1/3 innings). In turn, Saturday’s starter Jeff Karstens will likely be pushed aside when Ross Ohlendorf returns from the disabled list next week.

Burres issued three walks, but countered it with four strikeouts and now stands 2-1 on the year. He lowered his ERA from 6.00 to 4.09 and his WHIP from 1.93 to 1.59. Those numbers don’t exactly scream fantasy potential.

Burres pitched 12 1/3 scoreless innings in his previous two starts, but this is more along the lines of what should be expected from the left-hander. He’s not likely to last in the Pittsburgh rotation.

Burres struck out three, walked one and gave up seven hits. He doesn’t go deep into games even when he has good stuff, but has shown enough to stick in the rotation for now. Burres has a tough spot in Cincy next week.

Burres threw just 41 of 79 pitches for strikes, while walking four and striking out four. With two outings of four innings or less in his last three start, he’ll have to provide the Pirates more length in order to stick in the rotation. Even if he sticks, he shouldn’t be much of a fantasy option.