After a strong start to the 2011 season, AJ Burnett has struggled of late, posting an ERA of 8.04 in the second half. I have said, along with many other people, that AJ needs to be put in the bullpen. Now, after his most recent start against the Boston Red Sox, who have manhandled Burnett over the past three seasons, I believe it’s possible that he has turned a corner.
In 2009, AJ went 0-2 in four starts against Boston with an ERA of 8.85. 2010 was hardly any better, as he posted an ERA of 7.63. This year, up until Thursday night, has been similar as he has an ERA of 7.36 against the Red Sox.
Thursday was a different story. Though Burnett only went 5.1 innings, he allowed only 2 runs on 5 hits. He also struck out 4, while walking only 2. His progress really showed after Dustin Pedroia in the fourth inning, as he wasn’t rattled and retired 7 of the next 8 hitters he faced.
I’m still not 100 percent certain that Burnett has righted his ship, but I would give him at least one more start to see if the momentum from his start against the Red Sox carries over.
If AJ has turned his season around, he will make the Yankees rotation a force during the playoffs.
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