Mike Burns (baseball)

Michael John Burns (born July 14, 1978) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for the Houston Astros, the Boston Red Sox, the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers. He is currently on the coaching staff of the Easton Blackdogs at Caira Baseball Academy.

Burns was born in Westminster, California and graduated from Diamond Bar High School in 1996. Burns attended California State University, Los Angeles.

He has a degree in criminal justice.

A 2000 draft pick by the Houston Astros, In 2000, Burns's rookie season was with the Martinsville Astros posting a 2-7 record with a 4.52 ERA. In 2001, Burns was on the Michigan Battle Cats and had 7-7 record with a 3.95 ERA. In 2002, Burns posted a 2.49 ERA with the Battle Cats. In 2003, he was promoted to the Round Rock Express, but had a disappointing season due a 2-13 record and a 6.13 ERA. In 2004, he improved with a 11-3 record and a 2.67 ERA. In 2005, he was promoted to Triple-A Round Rock Express and posted a 2-1 record and a 2.11 ERA. Burns made his major league debut in later 2005. He spent part of 2006 with the Cincinnati Reds with an 8.78 ERA until he was traded on August 28. Burns was called up from the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox to the major league team the following day. He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 2008 season, but was released during spring training. He then signed with the Chicago Cubs, becoming a free agent at the end of the season. In January 2009, he signed a minor league contract with the Brewers; on June 2, he was called up to the major leagues following the release of Jorge Julio and made his first major league start on June 25, 2009 against the Minnesota Twins earning a loss.

On October 13, 2009, Burns was optioned to Triple-A Nashville, removing him from the Brewers 40-man roster. He was released on March 31, 2010.

In 2011, Mike Burns signed with Olmecas de Tabasco and had a 1-1 record with an 8.68 ERA.

On February 11, 2013 Burns signed with the Wichita Wingnuts of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball as their bullpen coach.

Signed with the Lincoln Saltdogs on June 9, 2013 as a pitcher.

Mike Burns is currently a coach for the Easton Blackdogs at Caira Baseball Academy in Caira, CA.