Burton (back) has been pitching in extended spring games, The Westchester Journal News reports. General manager indicated that Burton was nearing a return and that he would likely assign the pitcher to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Burton was a candidate to make the big league bullpen out of spring training, but it appears he'll be viewed as more of organizational depth for the time being with the opportunity of being called up should an injury arise.