Burnett, Colon square off in NL East clash

May 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher A.J. Burnett delivers a pitch against Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets are both sending veteran right-handers to the mound on Monday night and both could find themselves traded by Thursday.

A.J. Burnett (6-9) and Bartolo Colon (9-8) are both coming off quality starts.  Burnett went eight innings while striking out six and allowing just four hits Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants.  Colon took a no-hit bid well into his last start while striking out five Seattle Mariners in 7.1 innings.  Even with trade values high on the two former New York Yankees teammates, it seems scouts may need another look Monday night at Citi Field.

“I’m not a guy who looks for an out or wants to get out because things aren’t going the right way,” said Burnett.  “If that happens, then it happens, but I’m not looking to move on.”

Whether Burnett likes it or not he may be moving on given the Phillies are in the basement of the NL East, just below the Mets.  Burnett is aware of the trade deadline on July 31st and aware that his name is being tossed around.

“I just try to go about my business and enjoy my teammates,” said Burnett.

The Phillies lost six of nine against Colon and company this season, but they did win in the last game Burnett started against them.  In the 6-5 win on May 30th, the Mets got a little of the good and a little of the bad against Burnett.  Burnett went seven innings with 11 strikeouts, but walked six and gave up five earned runs on five hits.

Colon also won his only start of the season against his Monday night opponent, also going seven innings.

Both starters are in the top five for career wins among active players.  Colon, 41, has 198 and is ranked third.  Burnett, 37, has 153 and is fifth.

Starting Lineups:

Phillies

Revere CF

Rollins SS

Byrd RF

Howard 1B

Brown LF

Ruiz C

Asche 3B

Brignac 2B

Burnett P

Mets

Granderson RF

Murphy 2B

Wright 3B

Duda 1B

C. Young LF

d’Arnaud 2B

Lagares CF

Tejada SS

Colon P