The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired right-handed pitcher Nick Burdi during the Rule 5 draft this past off-season. He was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies, then the Pirates immediately traded $500,000 worth of international bonus pool space to get Burdi. He had been at Pirate City recovering from Tommy John surgery prior to tonight.
Burdi started Monday night's game for the Bradenton Marauders and was scheduled for just one inning. He made quick work of the Jupiter lineup, needing just 13 pitches to retire the side in order on three strikeouts.
According to Bradenton announcer Matt Neverett, Burdi 94-97 MPH with his fastballs and his slider was 84-85 MPH.