Last month, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed left-handed reliever Sean Burnett to a one-year contract, and placed him in Triple-A Oklahoma City. Burnett at the time gave OKC four lefties — joining Luis Avilan, Adam Liberatore and Ian Thomas — with Major League experience.
The 33-year-old Burnett was released by the Washington Nationals prior to signing with the Dodgers. He joined Washington last November on a Minor League contract with an invite to Spring Training.
Burnett threw 8.2 scoreless innings over nine appearances this spring, totaling seven strikeouts to just one walk. He missed all of last season due to a second Tommy John surgery (2004 and 2014) of his career. He’d been limited by forearm irritation and a left elbow impingement in 2013.
Burnett’s contract with the Dodgers included a May 1 opt-out date, and according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, the lefty exercised that clause and will sign with the Atlanta Braves:
Sean Burnett opts out of contract with #Dodgers. Veteran LHP to sign minor league deal with #Braves, report to Gwinnett tomorrow per sources
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) May 2, 2016
Triple-A Oklahoma City broadcast/media relations director Alex Freedman confirmed Burnett is no longer with the Dodgers organization:
Can confirm reports that Sean Burnett opted out of his deal with the #Dodgers and was released. Best of luck to him.
— Alex Freedman (@azfreedman) May 2, 2016
Burnett tossed 7.2 innings over seven appearances for Oklahoma City, posting a 2.35 ERA and 1.83 WHIP. He allowed one home run, issued five six walks and collected five strikeouts in those games.
