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After a shaky first few months as a Blue Jay, A.J. Burnett has reignited hopes that he can become a solid No. 2 starter in the Toronto rotation.
The right-hander had two stints on the disabled list with elbow problems in the first half of the season, and struggled to a 2-5 record and 4.84 ERA by Aug. 1. Since then, Burnett is 6-3 with a 3.20 ERA. His recent success is a turn around from past late-season performances -- Burnett's 7-14 career record in September is his worst record in any month.

One reason for Burnett's improved pitching is better control. If Burnett keeps up his current pace, he will establish a new personal best strikeout-to-walk ratio. Burnett's current 3:1 ratio (102 Ks to 34 walks) would break his previous best of 2.97:1, set in 2004.

Burnett's mound opponent is right-hander Devern Hansack, who is making his Major League debut. The 28-year-old native of Pearl Lagoon, Nicaragua, was 8-7 in 31 games -- 18 of them starts -- with Double-A Portland this season.

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