Burres back with Bucs

Jenifer Langosch/MLB.com

Brian Burres has agreed to a Minor League deal with the Pirates that includes an invitation to Spring Training. Pittsburgh now has 15 non-roster invitees set to compete for roster spots beginning in February.

Burres, who made 20 appearances for Pittsburgh in 2010, was non-tendered by the Pirates on Dec. 2. That removed the left-hander from the 40-man roster, though general manager Neal Huntington said at the time that the club was interested in bringing Burres back.

Burres went 4-5 with a 4.99 ERA in 20 games (13 starts) last season. He joined the rotation early in the season and, after spending much of the summer back in Triple-A, the left-hander stepped back in as a starter for the Pirates’ final month.

The Pirates will probably build Burres up as a starter during Spring Training, though it seems likely that he’d start the year in Triple-A Indianapolis’ rotation. His presence will give the Pirates additional starting pitching depth.

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