Burnett (9-7) surrendered five hits, three earned runs and four walks in 6.2 innings in Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Reds. He struck out nine.

EDGE Analysis

Burnett's final regular-season start turned out in disappointing fashion, although the 17-year veteran turned back the clock by recording nine whiffs, his second-highest total in a game in 2015. His spotty control Saturday led to four free passes and 107 pitches, his highest total in that category since a July 11 outing against the Cardinals. Burnett also uncharacteristically surrendered a homer for the third straight start, his longest streak by far in a campaign during which he has only given up 11 gopher balls overall. Although he was unable to help the Pirates clinch home-field advantage for their upcoming wild-card showdown versus the Cubs, Burnett would still figure to be a vital component of the Pirates' postseason pitching staff if they reach the Division Series.

Burnett (9-6) lost a pitching duel Sunday, giving up two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five batters in a 4-0 loss to the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Burnett was undone by the brilliance of Jake Arrieta. Not only did the Cubs' ace give up just one hit through seven innings, he also hit a solo home run in the second inning off Burnett, accounting for the last run on the 38-year-old's ledger. His ERA has hovered around 3.15 during his previous four starts and it remains to be seen if he will make his last scheduled start Saturday against the Reds with the playoffs looming on the horizon.

Burnett improved to 9-5 as he allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and four walks over 5.2 innings Monday against Colorado. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Normally, four walks and a home run signal an off day for Burnett, but he handled Coors Field about as well as can be expected. Burnett limited the Rockies to one home run by inducing eight ground balls. His ERA is steady at 3.15, which would be the best mark of his 17-year career.

Burnett pitched well on Wednesday, as he allowed two runs on eight hits over 5.1 innings while striking out seven in a no-decision against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

After a brilliant start to the season, the second half has been far less friendly. Burnett has now allowed 26 runs over his last six starts and that has raised his ERA nearly a run and a half. In any case, he still maintains a solid 3.15 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 145.2 innings this season. The most impressive part of his campaign is that he has only walked 39 batters, which will be a career-low rate. Burnett's next start is a scary one, as he has to travel to Coors Field to take on the Rockies next Tuesday.

Burnett recorded a no-decision in his return from the DL on Thursday as he allowed three runs on three hits and two walks over five innings in a loss to the Brewers. He threw 64 pitches and struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

The Pirates were extremely careful with Burnett here as that pitch count was his lowest of the season. It's clear they want to ease him back in and get him into early-season form he had at the beginning of the season and ramp him up for the stretch run and playoffs. Aside from his three starts prior to his DL stint when he was clearly hampered, Burnett had an incredible 2.11 ERA in his first 18 starts of the season. He's definitely worth taking a risk on if he was dropped in your league, but it's unclear when his next start will be exactly due to the mix-ups in the Prates rotation right now.

Burnett (elbow) has been activated from the disabled list to start Wednesday's game against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Burnett hasn't pitched since July 30 because of the issue, but will finally make his return to the mound Wednesday. The veteran hurler sports a 2.11 ERA at home over 10 starts this season, and will look to continue that success against a Brewers team that is now playing a spoiler role.

Burnett (elbow) will make his first start since July 30 against Milwaukee at PNC Park on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

He limited the Brewers to one run in seven innings June 8 and while the Pirates have struggled in Milwaukee (2-7) they've been much better at home (4-2). Burnett has only thrown simulated games during his recovery, so it would be surprising to see him throw more than six innings or 90 pitches.

Burnett (elbow) will be activated from the DL to start Thursday's game against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

After throwing a successful bullpen session Sunday, Burnett will return to the rotation as the Pirates kick off a four-game set against Milwaukee. Charlie Morton was initially slated to pitch Thursday, but he's been pushed back to Friday.

Burnett (elbow) could rejoin the rotation as early as Wednesday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burnett threw a bullpen session Sunday, and it appears to have gone well if this recent development is even a possibility. The team plans to announce their official plan "in the next day or so" according to General Manager Neil Huntington.

Burnett (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Sunday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burnett threw a simulated game Friday and reported that everything went well. There's no next step planned yet after Sunday's bullpen session, but a mid-September return appears to be the timetable for now.