Nov. 9: Burdi has rejected his outright assignment in favor of free agency, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic tweets. It’s still possible that he could return to the club on a new minor league deal, of course, but he’ll have the option of speaking with other clubs as he goes through the early stages of his rehab process.
Nov. 7: The Pirates have outrighted right-hander Nick Burdi to Triple-A, according to the MLB.com transactions page. In another move for the Bucs earlier this week, right-hander Dovydas Neverauskas was released. Both pitchers were recently designated for assignment.
Burdi will remain in the organization as he recovers from Tommy John surgery in October. The 27-year-old will miss the entire 2021 season, the latest major injury setback in a career that has already seen Burdi undergo a previous TJ procedure as well as a thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. Burdi has just 12 1/3 career MLB innings to his name, including 2 1/3 frames of work with Pittsburgh in 2020.
Neverauskas’ release could pave the way for a contract with a team in Asia, as Pirates GM Ben Cherington hinted last Monday. Originally signed by the Pirates way back in 2009, Neverauskas is still pretty young (turning 28 in January) as he moves into this potential new phase of his pro career. Over 80 2/3 career Major League innings, Neverauskas posted a 6.81 ERA, 2.20 K/BB, 8.6 K/9, and an ugly 2.2 HR/9.
Here is to hoping that Burdi fully recovers again and returns to pitch again. So much talent but so many injuries…….
Here is to hoping that Neverauskas learns to pitch and not just throw like so many others have,done when they went to play in Asian leagues. He looked good when he hit AAA in 17 & 18 but lost it in 19
The issues that family has had are unbelievable. Zack and Nick has both been promising prospects and both has had their share of arm injuries.
Red Sox should take a chance on Birdi, they got nothing else to lose.
I think every team will look into it honestly. High upside with nothing to lose but it would probably after next year before anyone does take a flier on him if his recovery time is as long as was projected.
And so, the Dovydas Neverauskas era comes to an end.
Some time in Asia might actually help him harness his ability with a different approach.
I thought the Bucs would never get rid of Neverauskas.
Probably an NPB or KBO team since a CPBL team probably wouldn’t pay enough for Neverauskas.
I feel like that’s a given anyway… borderline MLB/AAAA guys don’t usually leave the US to go play in the CPBL… it’s pretty much always for Japan or Korea. Other than Manny Ramirez hahaha but that was when he was like 45 years old.
Teddy Stankiewicz.
I had high hopes for Nick Burdi this year. I Even drafted him in my fantasy league. Thought he had closer potential and stuff. Hopefully he keeps that 98-99-100mph FB after TJ surgery!! I still haven’t lost hope!! Blake Cederlind is up next in opinion!! His 100MPH fastball!! Or convert Kuhl or Cody Ponce to a closer. I think Rich Rod, K.Crick, C.Stratton, N.Turley, and Edgar Santana, coming back off his PED suspension, work better as 7th-8th inning RP’S. And like I said, have Cederlind as the closer, or convert C.Kuhl/C.Ponce !!
Cederland really hasn’t done much in the minors to show that he’s got what it takes to be a closer. Outside of 2019 he actually pitched quite poorly… and for a ‘prospect’ he isn’t particularly young (24/25). Maybe you’re right and he will develop a bit and have what it takes to be a closer… but personally I don’t think it’s going to be this year, unless he starts off as a middle reliever and catches fire (which is totally possible for a guy with a triple-digit heater) just he has to be able to do more than just throw… and given his lack of big time K numbers in the minors I’m not sure he really can at this point.
I hope Neverauskas was asked before he was released.
Hope all of these players heal up and get to compete at the highest possible level.
Best of luck to any poor guy stuck in the Pittsburgh system. Bunch of clowns running that organization especially owners
This just in ! Neverauskus, nevermore ! Burdi flies coop ! Film at 11.
Finally I don’t have to see Neverauskas cough up 4 runs per outing and two weeks later hits the IR! Comes back coughs of 6 runs! It’s finally over and thought it would never end! There is some brains in that front office now! Next to go should be Moran and Polanco!
FREE BURDI!
Bye bye Burdi
Sell the team Bob
I’d take a chance on Burdi … I still think he has potential to be solid even with all the tough injuries. If ur the Orioles, you try to get him on a minor league contract. Pirates are still ultimately a good fit in my opinion, but I guess not his