A.J. Burnett Fractures Right-Eye Orbital

The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that right-hander A.J. Burnett has sustained a right-eye orbital fracture that will require surgery.  It is unclear how much time the recently acquired Burnett will be forced to miss, but early reports suggest it could be anywhere from one to three weeks.

Burnett sustained the fracture while participating in bunting drills.  A medium-speed pitch hit off the top of Burnett’s bat and connected with the bottom of his right eye.  Burnett was bent over for a few seconds before the eye started bleeding.  Trainers then escorted the big right-hander off the field as he held a towel over his wound.

The Pirates are saying that the extent of the injury has yet to be determined.  According to general manager Neal Huntington, once Burnett undergoes surgery, which is scheduled for today, Pittsburgh will have a better idea of the severity of the injury.  It will also allow the club to better project a timeframe for Burnett’s return.

While outside sources have said it could take anywhere from one to three weeks for Burnett’s fracture to fully heal, it is clear that the recently acquired starter will not be in Pittsburgh’s Opening Day rotation.  Without Burnett, Pittsburgh’s starting staff is likely to include Erik Bedard, Jeff Karstens, Kevin Correia, James McDonald and Charlie Morton.

This certainly wasn’t how Burnett wanted to start his Pirates career, but it doesn’t sound as if there should be any lingering effects caused by the fracture and resulting surgery.  It will be undoubtedly frustrating for Burnett to be sidelined this early in camp, but at least he is not dealing with an arm injury.

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