The Pittsburgh Pirates have re-signed left handed pitcher Brian Burres to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training, according to Jennifer Langosch. Burres was non-tendered by the Pirates last month, although the Pirates expressed interest in bringing him back. Burres is out of options, and if he had been tendered a contract, he would have had to make the opening day roster, or be designated for assignment.
Burres spent a lot of time in Pittsburgh in 2010, combining for a 4.99 ERA in 79.1 innings between the bullpen and the rotation, including 13 appearances as a starter. Langosch mentions that he should provide rotation depth out of AAA. It seems unlikely that he would make the 25-man roster out of Spring Training, as he would fill the same role Jeff Karstens already has, and Karstens is already guaranteed $1.1 M.
