Pirates add righty Mike Burrows, their No. 16 prospect, to MLB taxi squad

The Pittsburgh Pirates added right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows to the major-league taxi squad ahead of Friday night’s game at the New York Yankees.

Burrows, 24, could be on the cusp of making his MLB debut.

The Pirates’ No. 16 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline, Burrows is 1-1 with a 4.06 ERA in 10 appearances (nine starts) and 37 2/3 innings for Triple-A Indianapolis this year.

He has 45 strikeouts compared to 15 walks and a WHIP of 1.41.

Burrows has seen his route to the big leagues delayed by injuries.

In April 2023, after parts of two starts with the Indians, Burrows learned he needed Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm.

That began a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation process, but Burrows made his return this past summer, and after a handful of outings with the Single-A Bradenton Marauders, was back in Indianapolis at the end of July.

The Pirates are scheduled to start Jared Jones, Paul Skenes and Bailey Falter in the series against the Yankees, but if Burrows is added to the active roster, he could see action out of the bullpen.

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.