The 2014 season looked like the beginning of the end for A.J. Burnett. The right-hander went 8-18 last season with an ERA of 4.59. At 37 years old, he appeared to be just about done with his major league career.

Gone was the pitcher who had once won 18 games in a season. He was replaced with a guy who still threw hard, but was also getting hit hard.

So when the 2015 season began, the Pittsburgh Pirates were unsure of what they might be able to get out of Burnett. He would start the season in the rotation, but nothing was guaranteed after that.

Burnett has answered the call so far this season. Heading into Wednesday’s start against the Detroit Tigers, Burnett was 6-3 with an ERA of 2.01 and a WHIP of 1.24. In Wednesday’s game, facing one of the most potent lineups in all of baseball, Burnett was solid again. He went seven innings, giving up just two earned runs and striking out four in a 9-3 Pittsburgh win.

Over his last five starts, Burnett has had just one bad outing. He has given up a total of seven earned runs over that span, but was a hard-luck loser in two of those games, and got a no-decision despite pitching nine scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 14.

After a slow start, Pittsburgh is still eight games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central. But at 44-33, they lead the National League Wild Card standings, and would be a tough out in the playoffs for any opponent.

Burnett continues to experience a surprising revival at age 38, and that’s great news for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Tim Letcher is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.