One Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher hopes to defy the odds and make the major league team out of Spring Training.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mike Burrows had a tumultuous 2023 season after tearing his UCL, which required Tommy John surgery.
Burrows was 23 at the time of the surgery, which is a difficult time for that kind of procedure as it shaves a year off of a career.
However, Burrows responded well to recovery and even made an appearance for the Buccos to end the 2024 season for his Major League debut.
Now, MLB.com writer Alex Stumpf says he might have a chance to make the team from Opening Day this season.
Burrows debuted at Yankee Stadium last season, a reward for completing his Tommy John rehab and pitching well in the Minors. Now there are a couple opportunities for him to fit into this team, whether it’s the rotation, the bullpen or being a swingman like Luis L. Ortiz last season. The 25-year-old has stuff and enough velocity to play out of any role, and there are jobs up for grabs.
If Burrows doesn’t make the team out of Bradenton, he will likely be optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, where he played all of last year. There’s a good chance that the Pirates utilize him as the guy the team calls up if a spot start is needed, which puts him one step closer to being in the big leagues full-time.
BD community, what do you make of Burrows’ chances to make the 25-man roster out of Spring Training? Let us know by chiming off in the comments section below.