Red-hot Blue Jays prospect earns first promotion to Triple-A

Jimmy Burnette has continued on his journey to the majors, with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats announcing his promotion to Triple-A Buffalo. It is well-earned, after his strong start to the year in Double-A with the Fisher Cats.

In 13 appearances out of the bullpen for the Fisher Cats, Burnette has produced a 2.63 ERA in 13.2 combined innings. He also has an impressive 26 strikes, compared to nine walks.

A magnificent May

The 24-year-old has stepped up his game of late, with no runs allowed in 6.2 innings during May. He has also proved to be clutch, with five saves in five opportunities this season in the Eastern League.

Burnette's promotion to the Bisons doubles as the first time he will get the opportunity to pitch at the Triple-A level. He made four appearances for the Blue Jays during Spring Training, before being assigned to the minors in Buffalo.

The southpaw's improvement in 2023 has been extremely impressive, after last year recording a 4.58 ERA in 37.1 combined innings for the Fisher Cats (28 appearances). In all, he has a 4.04 ERA in 84.2 combined innings during three years at the various Minor League levels (64 appearances).

Pre-draft potential on display

Burnette was picked by the Blue Jays in the 18th round of the 2021 MLB draft with the 542nd overall selection, out of St. Leo College in St. Leo, Florida. Pre-draft scouting reports focused on his fastball, strikeout ability and well-proportioned, lean athletic build.

The Chicago, Illinois native also put on quite a display during the showcase Draft League, to help convince the Blue Jays to pick him. As per Jordan Boitnott of mlbdraftleague.com, he struck out 44 batters and only allowed a .221 batting average.

Burnette still has aspects of his game to fine-tune, including his walk-rate. Overall though, he deserves his chance to show what he is capable of at the Triple-A level.

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