If A.J. Burnett’s simulated game on Wednesday is any indication of how he’ll pitch in the ALCS against the Rangers, then Texas is about to be spotted one game in the best-of-seven series.
In his simulation start yesterday, Burnett threw 80 pitches in four-plus innings and apparently threw the first pitch over Francisco Cervelli’s head. Later on, he hit Greg Golson and Austin Kearns.
This, of course, is coming from a guy that is tentatively scheduled to pitch Game 4 against the Rangers.
The Bombers signed Burnett to a five-year, $82.5 million contract last year and he repaid them by going 13-9 with a 4.04 ERA. But things haven’t been the same for him since he lasted just two innings against the Phillies in Game 5 of the World Series last year. In that outing, he allowed six runs on four hits and walked four batters in an 8-6 loss.
The defeat must have stuck with Burnett this year, because he posted a 10-15 record with a 5.26 ERA and is now the black sheep of the starting rotation. He was left off the ALDS roster, but Girardi wants to pitch him in Game 4 of the ALCS if Burnett can show he has the mental fortitude to handle such a big situation.
Right now, it doesn’t look like he can, which is a problem considering the ALCS kicks off in two days.
