In today's Pirates rumors and news update, the Pittsburgh Pirates are interested in bringing AJ Burnett back on board via trade after Burnett left Pittsburgh for Philadelphia via free agency last winter.
According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports 1, the Pirates have also shown interest in Phillies reliever Antonio Bastardo:
As I just said on @AmericasPregame, the Pirates have shown interest in two Phillies pitchers, A.J. Burnett and Antonio Bastardo. @FOXSports1
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 21, 2014
Per Morosi, Burnett and the Pirates had an amiable split this winter despite speculation that he was miffed after not receiving the ball for Game 5 of the 2013 National League Division Series:
A.J. Burnett holds no grudge against Pirates for not getting the start in NLDS Game 5 last year; sides parted on good terms.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 21, 2014
Burnett is currently 6-9 for the Phillies with a 4.08 ERA. His 58 walks allowed lead the National League and put him on pace to issue 100 free passes for the first time in his 16-year MLB career.
Bastardo has been serviceable in 2014, posting a 3.38 ERA in 42.2 innings pitched while giving up just 23 hits altogether in 42 relief appearances.
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