Pirates’ A.J. Burnett is hoping to pitch again this season

Right-hander A.J. Burnett of the Pittsburgh Pirates hopes to pitch again this season after an MRI exam on his pitching elbow revealed a strained flexor tendon rather than a torn ligament.

Burnett, 38, said Monday that “I’m going to do everything I can to make it back.” He reiterated that he will retire at the end of the season.

Doctors told Burnett to rest four weeks before he starts throwing again. But he says that is subject to change.

Burnett was put on the 15-day disabled list Friday.

Burnett is 8-5 with a 3.06 earned-run average, but 1-2 with a 10.13 ERA since the All-Star break. He was selected as an All-Star for the first time in his 17-year career.

Jason Kipnis is put on DL by Indians

Second baseman Jason Kipnis was put on the 15-day DL by the Cleveland Indians because of shoulder inflammation.

Kipnis is batting .326 with six home runs and 39 runs batted in. Through Sunday, he led the American League with 132 hits.

Joe Panik of Giants goes on DL

Second baseman Joe Panik of the San Francisco Giants was put on the 15-day DL because of lower-back inflammation.

Panik is batting .309 with seven home runs and 35 RBIs.

Clayton Richard is designated for assignment by Cubs

Left-hander Clayton Richard was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs.

Richard was 2-0 with a 4.29 ERA in four games, including three starts.

Right-hander Dan Haren, acquired Friday from the Miami Marlins in a trade, will take Richard’s spot in the rotation and make his Cubs debut Wednesday against the Pirates.