PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Pirates right-hander A.J. Burnett is hopeful of pitching again this season after an MRI on his pitching elbow revealed a strained flexor tendon rather than a torn ligament.

The 38-year-old Burnett 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 placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday

Burnett has gone 1-2 with a 10.13 ERA in three starts since the All-Star break, allowing at least five runs in each outing. That came following a first half in which he went 7-3 with a 2.11 ERA in 18 starts and was selected to the All-Star game for the first time in his 17-year career.