Phillies pitcher A.J. Burnett softens stance on retirement

Phillies pitcher A.J. Burnett said last week that he would probably retire after this season, but after one start he said he didn't know.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher A.J. Burnett said last week he would probably retire after this season, but after one dominating start Burnett has softened his stance. 

Burnett pitched seven innings, allowed one run on three hits and struck out 12 to help Philadelphia defeat the National League East-leading Washington Nationals on Monday.

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“I guess you could say I’ve still got it when I do have it,” Burnett said to CSN Philly. “My decision will come down to how I feel and what my family and I decide. It’s just one start, but to be able to go out and do that tonight makes you wonder.”

The 37-year-old Burnett is 7-14 with a 4.30 ERA and 157 strikeouts in 28 starts this season for the last-place Phillies. He has a $10 million option for the 2015 season, which increases to $12.75 million if he starts at least 32 games this season.

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