Pirates' Burnett Fractures Orbital Bone, To Have Surgery
PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) -- The Pirates say pitcher A.J. Burnett is set to have surgery Friday after being diagnosed with an orbital fracture of his right eye.
Team officials say the injury happened Wednesday when a bunt attempt caromed off his face.
On Wednesday, the team decided to fly him from Bradenton, Fla., back to Pittsburgh to be examined and undergo further tests today.
There is no immediate timetable for Burnett's return.
The 35-year-old was acquired in a three-player trade with the New York Yankees last month and was expected to be the No. 1 starter.
Burnett, a two-time World Series winner, struggled during his final two seasons in New York, posting a 21-26 record with a 5.20 ERA.
He led the major leagues with 25 wild pitches in 2011 while allowing a career-high 31 homers.
According to MLB.com, the Pirates have scratched Burnett from his Grapefruit League debut against Toronto this weekend at McKechnie Field.
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