Mike

Burrows

Imagine getting this kind of run support from the Pirates offense and still not being allowed to go for a win. Because of management like this, getting pulled after just 74 pitches, Burrows is just 2-4 with a 3.93 ERA in 19 starts and three relief appearances. Carmen Mlodzinski got the win today after throwing three scoreless innings as Burrows’ replacement. Burrows should pitch again versus the Braves next weekend.

Burros struck out six and only handed out one free pass. The 25-year-old rookie righty has allowed three earned runs or fewer in six consecutive starts dating back to August 16. He’ll square off against the Athletics next weekend at PNC Park.

Burrows was lifted after 56 pitches because he was due to work in tandem with Braxton Ashcraft tonight. It’s the fourth straight outing in which he’s been workload limited; he’s allowed just two runs over 13 innings over the four appearances. He’ll probably pitch again, either as a starter or a reliever, Sunday against the Nationals.

This was probably going to be a short one for Ashcraft regardless, but he threw 37 pitches in the second, when he loaded the bases with no outs and went to 3-2 counts on each of the first five hitters. He got out of it when Kiké Hernández flew out to end the inning. After three innings, he was replaced by Mike Burrows, who also threw three scoreless innings and was credited with the win. Ashcraft will probably next start against the Orioles on Tuesday.

Burrows gave the Pirates four shutout frames, scattering two hits and one walk while striking out five batters. His day would be done after the fourth at 57 pitches in what’s likely some load management for the 25-year-old right-hander. Burrows will take a 4.23 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a 78/28 K/BB ratio across 76 2/3 innings into a start against the Cardinals in St. Louis on Thursday.

Burrows held the Cubs scoreless through three innings before a walk and two hits brought a run in to score in the fourth. He’d walk another batter before escaping a bases-loaded jam. Burrows tossed one more scoreless frame, ending his day with four strikeouts over five innings. The 25-year-old right-hander will take a 4.46 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and a 73/27 K/BB ratio across 72 2/3 innings into a start against the Rockies in Pittsburgh on Friday.

Burrows allowed just three hits and one walk on the day. Unfortunately, they all came in a five-batter sequence in the fourth that concluded with a Miguel Andujar homer. Burrows struck out six, so even if it took a toll on his 4.66 ERA, it really was a solid performance from him. He’ll face the Cubs next weekend.

That got him charged with a loss, of course. Burrows, who gave up just one homer in five turns last month, is 1-4 even though he’s allowed two runs or fewer in eight of his 13 starts. Unless the Pirates bring up a spot starter this while in the midst of a long string of games this week, Burrows will make his next start Sunday against the Reds.

He gave up only three hits, all of which were singles. Burrows has lowered his ERA from 4.83 to 3.88 by allowing three runs over 17 innings in his last three starts. He’s still not recommended in mixed leagues, but he’s showing he’s someone who can be penciled into the Pirates’ 2026 rotation. He’ll face the Giants again next week.

Burrows was on point in this one. He was picking off edges left and right with all four of his pitches and practically didn’t make a single mistake. Each of those four pitches also forced multiple swings-and-misses and led him to his best start in weeks. Once in a while, he flashes serious upside and has been able to rack up strikeouts in bunches when everything is working. He’s scheduled to face the Giants next time out.