Pirates right-hander A.J. Burnett, out of action since late July with an inflamed elbow, felt good throwing a simulated game Friday.
And that's good news for the Pirates, who need the 38-year-old veteran down the stretch which may turn into a deep run into the postseason.
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Throwing at Busch Stadium, where the Pirates (80-53) opened a three-game series with a win against the NL Central-leading the Cardinals on Friday night, Burnett worked four simulated innings against a handful of Pirates reserves. He then added a bullpen session to push his pitch count into the 90s. All this on a 95-degree day in St. Louis.
Burnett had no complaints.
"I expect to be throwing soon for the Pirates, because I feel great," Burnett told reporters.
After making the first All-Star appearance of his 17-year career in early July, Burnett was 8-5 with a 3.06 ERA when he went on the disabled list on July 31. Burnett, who has already announced his plans to retire after this season, says the stint on the DL has been frustrating.
"I came here to help us win, and I can't do that on the DL," Burnett said. "I just want to come back, do my job and try to get us closer to our goal. I know I'm not getting paid to get our guys out, I know that."
MLB.com reports that Burnett might throw another simulated game in a few days, and could possibly make his return by Sept. 15, when the Bucs host the Cubs in a doubleheader, which may prove to be a preview of the NL wild-card game.