BRADENTON, Fla. -- Nothing Pirates lefthander Sean Burnett has done in his major-league career indicates he will settle for being the fourth or fifth starter in the rotation.

Nothing he's done to this point in spring training indicates as much, either.

Burnett, 23, has recovered nicely from reconstructive surgery on his left elbow in 2004, as well as another procedure on his left shoulder a year later.

In the Pirates' 9-8 split-squad win against the New York Yankees at McKechnie Field on Monday, Burnett threw 44 pitches -- 24 for strikes -- allowing only three hits and one walk while recording the win. The lone run he gave up came on a lead-off homer by Yankees' outfielder Bubba Crosby.

"To be honest, that could be the best sinker I've had... ever," Burnett said. "I'm 100 percent now. I'm starting to find out what I can do."

Over six exhibition-innings (two starts) Burnett has allowed eight hits and two earned-runs. The Pirates still seem intent on Burnett starting the season at Class AAA Indianapolis.

However, Burnett has performed at a higher level than just about any of the pitchers in contention to become a starter -- not just the six competing for one of two vacant spots at the end of the rotation.

Yet, Burnett walked into the Pirates clubhouse yesterday fearing he might be among a group of players optioned to the minors.

"I was scared coming in here (yesterday)," he said. "Honestly, I don't know if my start was a courtesy start or my last start or what. Nobody has talked to me about that, so I'm just going out to pitch every time like it's my last chance to show these coaches that I'm healthy and ready to go.

"I just hope they give me a 1 percent chance to make it -- to prove to them that I'm as good as anybody here. I know that."

A two-time Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Burnett won five consecutive starts in 2004 before tailing off after his elbow finally wore down.

"And I knew I wasn't healthy, but I still went out there and did it," Burnett said. "Then they call up so many guys last year, and I'm hurt. It was kind of like I was put on the back burner."

With a healthy left elbow, Burnett won't be there for long.

"I'm healthy enough to win a job," Burnett said. "I'm hoping to leave them no choice."