From beat writer Tom Singer of MLB.com comes word that right-hander A.J. Burnett is scheduled to join the Pirates’ starting rotation after making one final rehab start Saturday at Double-A Altoona.
Burnett has been on the shelf since suffering a fractured right orbital bone while performing a bunting drill in spring training. He’s made three minor league rehab starts thus far, and hasn’t experienced any lingering issues in or around his right eye.
The 35-year-old was acquired from the Yankees in February for a couple of minor leaguers and cash. He posted a 5.15 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 173/83 K/BB ratio in 190 1/3 innings last year for New York.
