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Pirates' Burnett throws sim game, expects to return soon

Jared Wickerham / Getty Images Sport / Getty

A.J. Burnett is doing everything he can to contribute to one last playoff push.

The Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander threw a simulated game at Busch Stadium in the sweltering heat prior to Friday's contest with the St. Louis Cardinals, and says he's inching closer to returning to the rotation.

"Everything was good, sharp. Yeah, man, felt good, a lot better than I expected to," Burnett said. "I thought it was a good test, 90-plus pitches in the heat, game-like. I got hot out there, but wasn't tired, and I'm very happy with that.

"I expect to be throwing soon for the Pirates, because I feel great."

Burnett landed on the disabled list on July 31 due to elbow inflammation, but with retirement on the horizon, the first-time All-Star is salivating at his final chance for postseason glory

"I came here to help us win, and I can't do that on the DL," Burnett said. "I just want to come back, do my job and try to get us closer to our goal. I know I'm not getting paid to get our guys out, I know that."

Burnett went 8-5 with a 3.06 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 21 starts prior to suffering the injury, and manager Clint Hurdle is looking forward to the veteran rejoining the squad sooner rather than later.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how he feels tomorrow," Hurdle said. "We'll take it one day at a time. But if he feels healthy ... a healthy A.J. can come back and add value to everything we do."

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