PITTSBURGH -- Pirates right-hander A.J. Burnett, an established veteran who hasn't pitched since July 30 due to a right elbow injury, has said he expects to make at least three Major League starts before the end of the regular season. He took another step in that direction Sunday, tossing a simulated game in the bullpen at PNC Park prior to the Pirates' game against the Colorado Rockies.
He tossed five innings under the watchful eye of pitching coach Ray Searage.
"It was a simulated sim game," Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said. "I think it was 71 pitches.