“It’s either [the ulnar ligament]”, said Burnett, who had the requisite Tommy John surgery for that in 2003, “or the flexor [tendon]”. Pittsburgh placed Burnett on the disabled list after he became bothered by pain in his right elbow, and according to MLB.com’s Tom Singer, Burnett has no desire to undergo a procedure at this point in his career. The Pirates acquired Seattle Mariners left-hander J.A. Happ at the trade deadline Friday to take Burnett’s spot in the rotation. That’s why he felt encouraged by the diagnosis.
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Either way, Burnett said surgery is not an option for him.
The 38-year-old Burnett said Monday that “I’m going to do everything I can to make it back”. “If it’s anything ligament-wise, then I’d have to re-consider”. Burnett’s injury is the same one that former Pirate All-Star Jason Grilli sustained in July of 2013. He pitched for the Pirates in September and in the playoffs.
“Of all the news that could have come, this is the most positive”, Burnett told reporters. A UCL injury could have meant an end to both his season and career, which he has previously said would likely end after 2015.
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Nine weeks remain in the regular season.
