Burnett up, Meek out

Before Sunday's game with the Nationals, the Pirates recalled left-handed pitcher Sean Burnett and designated pitcher Evan Meek for assignment.

Burnett, who was the last roster cut in spring training, excelled at Class AAA Indianapolis just as he did in Bradenton, Fla. this spring. With the Indians, Burnett was 1-1 with three saves and a 1.04 ERA in 17 1/3 innings. This was the first time Burnett worked solely out of the bullpen, something which he will do in Pittsburgh as well.

This marks Burnett's first appearance in the majors since 2004 when he had to undergo Tommy John surgery after going 5-5 with a 5.02 ERA in 13 starts.

Meek was a Rule 5 draft selection by the Pirates over the winter and impressed enough in the spring the team gave him a shot on the 25-man roster. Meek, however, looked overmatched during much of his tenure. He allowed 11 runs and 12 walks in 13 innings. He was scored upon in five of his first six outings, though he did not allow a run in his last three appearances spanning six innings.

Now, Meek must first clear waivers in which all other 29 teams have a chance to claim him. If they do so, they must keep Meek on their major-league roster or offer him back. If Meek clears waivers, a likely scenario, then the Pirates must offer him back to Tampa Bay, Meek's original team. If the Rays wish to take him back, he would not have to go on their major-league roster, the Rays then must pay the Pirates $25,000. However, if the Pirates truly wish to keep Meek in their system, something general manager Neal Huntington expressed Sunday, then the Pirates and Rays must work out some sort of compensation for Meek, either a player or other cash considerations.