(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Yankees Hurler A.J Burnett struggles mightily in another Saturday Afternoon Start

Each time A.J. Burnett take the hill, he has the potential of throwing a perfect game each time out there.  But for some reason A.J. has been uncharacteristically bad in afternoon starts, especially on Saturdays.

Although he eventually settled down, the six-run Orioles rally spelled doom for Burnett and the Yankees.  Burnett is 11-9 with a 4.33 ERA in 29 starts, very average numbers for an above average pitcher.  But if you take a look at his splits he is terrible during the day, at 4-4 with an ERA near 6.00.  Breaking that down even further, if you look at his four Saturday afternoon starts this season he is 0-3 with 30 ER in 28.2 innings.  It makes you wonder where A.J. is going Friday nights after the game?

If you were the Yankees, given these numbers would you give him the ball under any circumstance during the day in the postseason. Night games Burnett is 7-5 with at 3.35 ERA certainly warranting him the #2 starter role on the team. 

Burnett still has been a positive influence, with his fun-loving attitude and signature pies to the face after Yankees walk-off wins.  But is there something we dont know, about his off the field work ethic.  It is certainly something worth questioning.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?