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AJ Burnett made it very clear that he would not undergo surgery to continue his career. However, he said if "It's just a matter of doing enough treatment and doing it where it's tolerable again and building up some pain tolerance so I can stay on the mound in the stretch run", he would have no qualms about doing that.
Fortunately for Burnett and the Pirates, it seems that's going to be the case, as the tests he underwent didn't show any structural damage.
A.J. Burnett has a strained flexor tendon. UCL is intact. He will undergo treatment in hopes of pitching again this year. #Pirates
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 3, 2015
A.J. Burnett news is much better than it could have been. He's injured, yes, but he has a high pain tolerance and will try to come back.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 3, 2015
It's no secret that Burnett has become seriously attached to the Pirates, and wants to end his career on a high note with the franchise. There's no timetable on when Burnett might rejoin the rotation, or how long he'll be working to build up that pain tolerance and come up with a plan to be able to loosen up his arm before his starts.
Update: Burnett should be able to return at some point in early September, barring any setbacks.
AJ Burnett diagnosis: Flexor strain. He received a PRP injection. Estimated time of return: 4 weeks. This from the #Pirates
— Bill West (@BWest_Trib) August 3, 2015