Sky Sox starter Hiram Burgos winds up in the third inning of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)
Hiram Burgos had climbed to the top of baseball’s ladder.
An arm injury didn’t set him back one rung, it dropped him all the way to the bottom.
The righty from Puerto Rico, who made his Sky Sox debut Sunday in a 6-2 victory, is back on the doorstep after hitting the reset button on his career.
“I knew I had to get my arm healthy after surgery,” said Burgos, who underwent an operation in 2014 for a right shoulder strain. “To me, even though I had to start over, it’s a blessing right now to have the ball every five days and be pitching.”
Burgos went four innings, giving up two runs and striking out three Sunday as the Sky Sox earned a split in a four-game series with New Orleans. He escaped a bases-loaded, nobody-out jam in the fourth by giving up just one run before exiting.
They Sky Sox had strung together six straight singles in the first inning, building a 5-0 cushion. Yadiel Rivera led the way for Colorado Springs with three hits and two RBIs.
The start for Burgos wasn’t eye-popping – particularly compared to five lock-down frames from the bullpen – but it was a starting point as he tries to climb one more level in a year that has already seen him move up twice.
The Brewers took Burgos in the sixth round of the 2009 draft and he immediately started advancing through the organization. In 2012 he was the organization’s Minor League Player of the Year after going 10-4 with a 1.95 ERA over 27 starts at High-A, Double-A and Triple-A.
The next year he was a part of Milwaukee’s big-league rotation for six starts until an injury in mid-May shortened his season.
Then came the shoulder problems in 2014 that limited him to four starts and put him in surgery. When he hit free agency after that year, the Brewers offered him a minor-league deal but with the understanding that he was going to have to do it all over again.
He has accepted the challenge, earning promotions to Double-A and Triple-A already this season.
“He’s been around, so he gets it,” Sky Sox manager Rick Sweet said. “What’s difficult is the young guys who really don’t know how this game works, so when things happen it surprises them. Burgos, he’s been to the big leagues and he wants to get back; that makes it easier for him. He’s had that taste, he knows what it’s like.”
Joining the Sky Sox clubhouse was an easy transition for Burgos, who has moved so frequently he hasn’t pitched in more than 13 games for any team in a season since 2011.
“The good thing is I know a lot of these guys from spring training and in the past, and it’s a really good group of guys,” he said. “Wherever you go, you have to do your job. It’s the same game everywhere you go.”
Note
The Sky Sox team historian believes this is the first time Colorado Springs has played a homestand of at least seven games without a home run from either team.
The Sky Sox haven’t homered in their past 13 home games. Since the team is away for the rest of the month, they will go the month of June without a home run at home.
Sky Sox starter Hiram Burgos winds up in the third inning of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Sky Sox starter Hiram Burgos delivers to New Orleans’ Austin Wates in the first inning of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Sky Sox left fielder Peter Orr, center, celebrates with teammates after their 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Sky Sox center fielder Kyle Wren bats during the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Sky Sox center fielder Kyle Wren throws from the outfield during the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Sky Sox center fielder Kyle Wren runs to the dugout during the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Sky Sox manager Rick Sweet during their 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Sky Sox third baseman Matt Dominguez throws to first base to close out the top of the 7th inning of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Colorado Springs’ Logan Schafer sprints to first during the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Sky Sox shortstop Yadiel Rivera fields the ball before throwing out New Orleans’ Scott Sizemore in the 8th inning of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Sky Sox shortstop Yadiel Rivera throws out New Orleans’ Scott Sizemore in the 8th inning of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Sky Sox closer David Goforth, right, and catcher Nevin Ashley celebrate following the Colorado Springs Sky Sox 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Sky Sox manager Rick Sweet during their 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)Sky Sox manager Rick Sweet during their 6-2 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)The Colorado Springs Sky Sox defeated the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-2 on Father’s Day Sunday, June 21, 2015 at Security Service Field. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette (MARK REIS)
