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Sean Burnett

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Sean Burnett
Burnett with the Washington Nationals
Pitcher
Born: (1982-09-17) September 17, 1982 (age 42)
Dunedin, Florida, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
May 30, 2004, for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Last MLB appearance
September 30, 2016, for the Washington Nationals
MLB statistics
Win–loss record15–23
Earned run average3.52
Strikeouts277
Teams

Sean Richard Burnett (born September 17, 1982) is an American former professional baseball relief pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and Washington Nationals.

Amateur career

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Burnett attended Wellington High School in Wellington, Florida.[1] He was also a part of the 1999 State Champions.[2]

Professional career

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Pittsburgh Pirates

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Burnett was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round in 2000 Major League Baseball Draft. Known for his change-up, remarkable control, presence, and a low-90s fastball.[citation needed] Burnett was the Pirates Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2001 and 2002,[3] and 2002 Carolina League Pitcher of the Year.[citation needed] Baseball America named him the Carolina League's #1 prospect, and the Pirates #2 prospect.[citation needed] Baseball America after 2002: “Burnett was anointed as the Hillcats' ace--and he rarely disappointed. A left-hander with a 91 mph fastball and the league's best changeup, he did his part to help create a winning attitude on the field. Batters found it difficult to drive the ball in the air against him because he pitches down in the strike zone.”[citation needed] His velocity improved in 2002, hitting 93 mph (150 km/h).[citation needed] His changeup is his best pitch, he also has a good slider.[citation needed] Knowles: “He needs to improve his breaking ball, he makes a lot of mistakes with it, but he throws enough strikes with his other pitches that he gets by with it.”[citation needed]

After sporting a 14–6 record with the Double-A Altoona Curve in 2003, Burnett advanced to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds for 2004. He was recalled by the Pirates, and made his major league debut on May 30, 2004, against the Chicago Cubs. Burnett pitched five solid innings, allowing only one run, but did not get a decision in the game.[citation needed] He finished the 2004 season with a 5–5 record and a 5.02 ERA.

Burnett missed the entire 2005 campaign with shoulder and elbow problems which eventually culminated in surgery.[citation needed] He spent the 2006 and 2007 seasons with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. After a stellar 2008 spring training, Burnett was returned to Triple-A, as the Pirates decided to keep Rule 5 pitcher Evan Meek in his place.[citation needed]

Meek was designated for assignment on May 4, 2008, and Burnett was recalled to take his place. Burnett made his first major league appearance since August 21, 2004 on May 6, 2008, against the San Francisco Giants. He allowed 2 runs in 2⁄3 of an inning. Said Burnett of his return: "Honestly, it might have been more nerve-racking than my debut because my debut came so easy. It was such an easy road coming up through the Minor Leagues. This one was so much more hard work, and harder to get here, and a lot more time."[4]

Burnett had a 4.54 earned run average (ERA) in 160+2⁄3 innings pitched for the Pirates from 2004 to 2009.[citation needed]

Washington Nationals

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On June 30, 2009, the Pirates traded Burnett along with Nyjer Morgan to the Washington Nationals for Lastings Milledge and Joel Hanrahan.[5]

Burnett had a 2.98 ERA in 145 innings pitched for the Nationals from 2009 to 2011.[citation needed]

In 2012, Burnett went 1–2 with 2 saves and a 2.38 ERA with 56.2 innings in 70 appearances. On November 1, Burnett declined his half of a 2013 mutual option worth $3.5 million. Since the Nationals exercised their half, Burnett wasn't paid a $250K buyout.[6]

Los Angeles Angels

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On December 5, 2012, Burnett agreed to a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, pending a physical examination.[7] The contract became official on December 12.[8] On August 7, 2013, Burnett underwent elbow surgery and it prematurely ended his 2013 season.[9]

After being almost a full year out, Burnett came back to pitch for the Angels in May 2014; after 3 appearances, Burnett was placed back on the DL. After an MRI, it was revealed Burnett had a torn UCL, ending his 2014 season.[10] The Angels declined his 2015 option on October 30, making him a free agent.

Return to Washington

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On November 16, 2015, Burnett signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. While Burnett did not allow a run during spring training, he was informed on April 1, 2016, that he had not made the team. He chose to exercise an opt-out clause in his contract and become a free agent.[11]

Los Angeles Dodgers

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Burnett agreed to a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 9, 2016.[12]

Atlanta Braves

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On May 2, 2016, Burnett opted out of his deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers and signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves. He opted out of his contract and became a free agent on May 20, 2016.

Minnesota Twins

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On May 23, 2016, Burnett signed a minor-league deal with the Minnesota Twins.[13]

Third stint with Washington

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Burnett was acquired by the Washington Nationals for cash considerations on August 19, 2016, moving from the Twins' Class-AAA affiliate, the Rochester Red Wings, to the Nationals' affiliate, the Syracuse Chiefs.[14] His contract was purchased from Syracuse by the Nationals on September 2, 2016,[15] and he made his first major league appearance since 2014 the following day, coming out of the Nationals' bullpen in a game against the division rival New York Mets at Citi Field. He faced one batter, Curtis Granderson, and retired him on a lineout.[16]

Philadelphia Phillies

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On December 10, 2016, Burnett signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.[17] He was released on March 26, 2017.[18]

Miami Marlins

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On March 13, 2018, Burnett signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.[19] He was released on June 18, 2018.

New York Mets

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On February 7, 2019, Burnett signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets.

Retirement

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On May 26, 2019, Burnett retired from professional baseball.[20]

References

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  1. ^ "Transfer Of Power". Archived from the original on January 18, 2015.
  2. ^ Records fhsaa.org [dead link]
  3. ^ "2020 Pittsburgh Pirates Media Guide" (PDF). Pittsburgh Pirates. Major League Baseball. 2020. p. 213. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  4. ^ Jenifer Langosch. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080507&content_id=2658074&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb "Burnett excited to be back on mound", MLB.com. May 7, 2008. Retrieved on May 8, 2008
  5. ^ "Pirates trade Morgan to Nationals, Hinske to Yankees".
  6. ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (November 1, 2012). "LaRoche, Burnett Decline Options". MLB Trade Rumors.
  7. ^ Kilgore, Adam (December 5, 2012). "Sean Burnett leaves Nationals for Angels". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  8. ^ Gonzalez, Alden (December 12, 2012). "Angels finalize deals with Blanton, Burnett". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  9. ^ "Angels reliever Burnett (elbow) out for year". August 2013.
  10. ^ DiGiovanna, Mike (May 28, 2014). "Angels reliever Sean Burnett has torn elbow ligament, is out for the season". Los Angeles Times.
  11. ^ Todd, Jeff (April 1, 2016). "Sean Burnett To Opt Out Of Contract With Nationals". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  12. ^ Stephen, Eric (April 9, 2016). "Sean Burnett reportedly signs minor league deal with Dodgers". SB Nation.
  13. ^ Adams, Steve (May 23, 2016). "Twins, Sean Burnett Agree To Minor League Deal". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
  14. ^ "Report: Nationals acquire LHP Sean Burnett from Twins". Today's Knuckleball. August 19, 2016. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  15. ^ "Reliever Sean Burnett makes his return to the Nationals". The Washington Post. September 2, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
  16. ^ "NATS' OFFENSE FALLS SHORT, BURNETT RETURNS, METS GAIN GROUND IN PLAYOFF RACE". CSN Mid-Atlantic. September 4, 2016. Retrieved September 7, 2016.
  17. ^ Seidman, Corey (December 12, 2016). "Phillies sign OF Daniel Nava, LHP Sean Burnett to minor-league contracts". csnphilly.com. Retrieved December 24, 2016.
  18. ^ Zolecki, Todd (March 26, 2017). "Phillies give Burnett his unconditional release". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
  19. ^ "Roster Roundup on Twitter".
  20. ^ "Sean Burnett Stats, Highlights, Bio | MiLB.com Stats | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
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