Burnett hit in eye, headed to Pittsburgh for examinations

Bradenton, FL – Pirates hurler A.J. Burnett suffered a right eye injury and is headed back to Pittsburgh for further evaluation.

Burnett was stricken on Wednesday when his own bunt attempt off a pitch from a machine bounced off his bat and struck his face between the eye and temple.

Bucs general manager Neal Huntington said the 35-year-old will return to the Steel City Wednesday night and have tests on Thursday.

Burnett was acquired on February 18 from the New York Yankees, and had been the presumed Opening Day starter.