Pirates top prospect could make MLB debut in season's final series vs. Yankees

The Pittsburgh Pirates only have three games remaining in their season, but they still may not be finished tinkering with their MLB roster.

The club announced Friday that right-hander Mike Burrows, Pittsburgh's No. 16 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, has been added to the taxi squad ahead of the Pirates' three-game series against the New York Yankees.

Originally drafted in the 11th round (No. 324 overall) by the Pirates in 2018, Burrows is 10-14 with a 3.72 ERA over 70 games and 259 innings in the minor leagues. The 24-year-old appeared to be on the brink of breaking into the Major Leagues last season, but his timeline was delayed when he underwent Tommy John surgery after making just two starts last year with Triple-A Indianapolis.

Burrows made his return to the mound earlier this summer, beginning with a rehab assignment in Single-A Bradenton before ending up back in Indianapolis by the end of July.

Mike Burrows could make long-awaited MLB debut with Pirates in series vs. Yankees

While Burrows is not on the active roster yet, it seems likely that the Pirates could make a corresponding move to add him at some point this weekend. The Pirates are scheduled to start Jared Jones, Paul Skenes and Bailey Falter in the series against the Yankees; if Burrows is added to the active roster, it would likely be as a member of the bullpen.

Though he has been drafted and developed as a starter, Burrows would likely benefit from filling a relief role for the Pirates, at least initially, as the Pirates continue to monitor his workload during his recovery.

Since his return from Tommy John surgery, Burrows has pitched to a 4.06 ERA while striking out 45 and walking 15 over 37 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level. In his final start of the season for Indianapolis on Sunday, he allowed three runs on four hits and struck out 10 batters through five innings.

If/when the Pirates do activate Burrows to pitch against the Yankees this weekend, it will likely be an audition for 2025, when he could be a legitimate depth rotation or bullpen option in Pittsburgh.

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