Sean

Burke

Burke was excellent in his third career start, holding the Tigers scoreless over five innings. He stranded two hits and three walks while striking out six batters. The 24-year-old right-hander has allowed three runs with a 22/7 K/BB ratio across 19 innings.

Burke left with a one-run lead, but it wasn’t meant to be. The White Sox bullpen gave up three runs, and the team matched the 1962 Mets with its 120th loss of the season. The Mets went 40-120-1 in their franchise debut. These White Sox are 36-120 with six to play. Burke, at least, is one reason for hope. He has a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings since debuting earlier this month. He’ll face Detroit in his final start.

It was Burke’s first MLB start, and it went pretty well. The right-hander allowed breezed through the first four innings before allowing a two-run shot to Brent Rooker in the final frame. Burke will likely make another start, but it’d be a silly decision in process if he does make that outing against the Padres next weekend.

The White Sox had indicated that Burke would go into the rotation soon after debuting as a reliever. He wound up making just one relief appearance, allowing an unearned run over three innings Tuesday against the Guardians. With Burke going Sunday, Jonathan Cannon can get some extra rest and start Monday.

Burke will take the roster spot of Nick Nastrini with Nastrini optioned in the corresponding transaction. Burke has registered a 4.77 ERA in his 19 appearances with Double-A Birmingham and Charlotte, but he has struck out 103 batters over 71 2/3 innings. Burke has a chance to be a backend starter, but there’s no reason to consider him for a fantasy roster in 2024.