AJ Burnett Named NL Player of the Week

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett was named the National League Player of the Week today for the week of July 30 – August 5. AJ Burnett

Burnett went 2-0 last week with victories against the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds during that span.

The righty tossed a one-hit complete game shutout against the Cubs on July 31, striking out eight batters while walking only two. The Pirates won 5-0.

On Sunday, Burnett nearly threw another complete game, falling just one out short in an 8.2-inning effort against the NL Central-leading Reds.

He allowed two runs with 15 strikeouts and five walks in 17.2 innings overall during the week and has now lowered his season ERA to a very impressive 3.19.

Burnett is in a five-way tie for the Major League Baseball lead in wins with 14 and has done so in two less starts than Johnny Cueto and David Price and three less games than R.A. Dickey.

He’s won 13 of his last 14 decisions and has truly been an ideal pickup for the Pirates, who acquired the 35-year-old from the New York Yankees for two non-prospects and a portion of Burnett’s owed salary.

Not a bad haul for General Manager Neal Huntington.

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