A.J. Burnett shows up to game with a mysterious black eye

Last updated: 09/18/10 at 18:52 PST by Allan Teruel

Here's one that you file under the mysterious injuries pile – New York Yankees pitcher A.J. Burnett showed up to his start on Friday night with a black eye and a swollen cheek, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post.

“I understand you guys have to ask, but I'm not going to comment on it,” Burnett said. “I think there's more important things going on right now with this team than my eye.”

Costello said that it appears that Burnett had been punched.

The Yankees were in town to face the Baltimore Orioles, and Burnett has a home in Monkton, Maryland, not far from Baltimore. The Baltimore County Police Department said they were unaware of any incidents involving Burnett.

Despite the mysterious injury, Burnett pitched seven innings, giving up three earned runs and six hits while striking out five. He did not pick up the win, but the Yankees been the Orioles by the score of 4-3.

“It makes me look tough,” Burnett said. “It's just something I have to deal with. I dealt with it and I move on.”

Get free email and SMS alerts!

Create account

or Sign in