34 A.J. Burnett, SP

Pirates starter A.J. Burnett struck out seven but did not factor into the decision in a 4-2 loss Saturday night against the Astros.

Burnett surrendered a run-scoring infield single to Jose Altuve in the fift and allowed the one run on five hits over seven innings. He struck out seven and walked four on 100 pitches, 63 for strikes.

Burnett has not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his starts. He will try to get his first win since May 3 when he starts Friday at Milwaukee. He allowed four runs -- three earned -- over seven innings in his last meeting with the Brewers May 13.

Pirates starter A.J. Burnett took his fourth loss in Monday's series opener against the Brewers. He allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits over seven innings of work in a 5-1 defeat.

Burnett gave up a run in the first for the only damage over his first four frames. He got tagged with a two-spot in the fifth before an error led to his final damage in the seventh.

The right-hander also struck out six with no walks. He threw 74 of his 104 pitches for strikes.

Burnett is scheduled to make his next start on Saturday against the Astros. In four starts against Houston last season, he went 2-0 with a 3.49 ERA.

If you didn't already think he was a must-start pitcher thanks to his league-leading 66 strikeouts and miniscule 2.57 ERA, Fantasy owners should definitely have Pirates starter A.J. Burnett active in all formats for Fantasy Week 7 (May 13-19).

Burnett is set to take the mound twice during the week, Monday against the Brewers and Saturday versus Houston. Milwaukee ranks 13th in the league in runs scored per game this season, but Burnett should be able to hold his own against the Brewers, as he held them to a 3.66 ERA last season in three starts. His second start is where Burnett could post eye-popping numbers, as he should be able to overpower the Astros. The Astros have been by far the league's most strikeout-prone offense, as they strikeout 10.1 times per game on average.

For one of the league's elite strikeout artists, that matchup is a dream. Fantasy owners should expect big things this week.