CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Pirates' interest in A.J. Burnett is "mild at best." He adds that their interest "might fall further" if Burnett intends to pick up his 2015 player option, which would be worth $12.75 million if he makes 32 starts this season. Burnett, of course, pitched for the Pirates from 2012-13 and they wanted to re-sign him over the winter but were outbid by the Phillies. Heyman also says that the Orioles' interest in Burnett "doesn't seem keen, either." The righty holds a good-but-not-great 3.86 ERA in 2014 and it appears his market might be drying up.

A.J. Burnett had one of his best starts of the season on a rain-soaked night against the Giants, tossing eight shutout innings in a no-decision. With the two clubs short on relievers due to Tuesday's 14-inning affair, Burnett sat through a rain delay and pitched through eight innings on 130 pitches. He allowed four hits, walked four, and struck out six. Depending on what the Phillies do over the next few days, it may have been his last start in red pinstripes. If he's still around on Monday, he'll open a road series in New York against the Mets, sporting a 3.86 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 119/62 K/BB ratio.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that Phillies right-hander A.J. Burnett would prefer to be dealt to the Pirates and that Pittsburgh players are lobbying for his return. Burnett made a bit of an awkward exit from Pittsburgh when he signed with the Phillies during the offseason, but it's water under the bridge at this point. However, one possible hangup in a deal is his player option for 2015. He's currently at 21 starts this season, but his 2015 salary would rise to $8.5 million at 24 starts, $10 million at 27, $11.75 million at 30 and a maximum of $12.75 million if he makes it to 32 starts.

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, Pirates right-hander A.J. Burnett can be traded to the Orioles, Red Sox, Red Sox, Reds, Royals, Mets, Yankees, Pirates, Cardinals, and Nationals without his consent. Similar to teammate Cliff Lee, Burnett has a 20-team no-trade list. The Pirates and Orioles are two of the teams who have been scouting Burnett recently and the trade list won't be an issue.

Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Pirates had a scout at A.J. Burnett's last start on Friday in Atlanta. Gelb notes that it wasn't the scout's normal assignment, as he was clearly there to see Burnett. Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reported Saturday that the Phillies and Orioles have had preliminary discussions on a trade involving Burnett, but Gelb thinks the Pirates might wind up being a better fit. Burnett, of course, pitched for the Pirates from 2012-13.

Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Phillies and Orioles have had preliminary discussions on a trade involving A.J. Burnett. Before he signed with the Phillies, the Orioles expressed interest in the veteran right-hander. Being that it's his hometown team, it's reasonable to believe that the O's would be a nice fit. Stay tuned.

A.J. Burnett surrendered six runs in five innings of work in a loss to the Braves on Friday. Not the best night for his trade value. Burnett gave up four runs in the second inning and two more in the fifth to put himself in line for the loss. He struck out five and walked one en route to his ninth loss of the season. The veteran right-hander now owns a 4.08 ERA and 113/58 K/BB ratio over 136 2/3 innings this season. He'll only have another couple of starts before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, with a date against the Giants in San Francisco up next.

A.J. Burnett surrendered six runs in five innings of work in a loss to the Braves on Friday. Not the best night for his trade value. Burnett gave up four runs in the second inning and two more in the fifth to put himself in line for the loss. He struck out five and walked one en route to his ninth loss of the season. The veteran right-hander now owns a 4.08 ERA and 113/58 K/BB ratio over 136 2/3 innings this season. He'll only have another couple of starts before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, with a date against the Giants in San Francisco up next.

A.J. Burnett improved to 6-8 after holding the Nationals to two runs over 7 2/3 innings on Friday night. Burnett gave up five hits (including a solo homer to Bryce Harper) and four walks while striking out six. The final run scored after he was replaced by Ken Giles in the eighth. The veteran right-hander has seven straight quality starts to his credit and will complete the first half with a 3.83 ERA and 108/57 K/BB ratio over 131 2/3 innings of work. He could find a new home via trade shortly after the All-Star break.

A.J. Burnett allowed three runs over seven innings in a loss to the Pirates on Sunday. Burnett gave up five hits and two walks, striking out seven. The right-hander fell to 5-8 with a 3.92 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with the loss. With the Phillies in an absolute tailspin of late, Burnett's name has surfaced in trade whispers. His time with the Phillies may be short, but he'll probably still be around to face the Nationals on Friday.