Pirates' Burnett to undergo surgery for orbital fracture

PITTSBURGH — Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett will undergo surgery on Friday to repair a fractured right orbital bone.

The right-hander was injured Wednesday at the team's spring training facilities in Bradenton, Fla., while trying to bunt. The failed attempt caromed off his bat and into his face.

He flew to Pittsburgh late Wednesday to be further evaluated.

There is no immediate timetable for Burnett's return. The 35-year-old was acquired in a three-player trade with the New York Yankees last month and was expected to join the rotation on a team looking to improve on a 72-90 record last season.

Burnett, a two-time World Series winner, is also trying to rehabilitate his career. He struggled during his final two seasons in New York, posting a 21-26 record with a 5.20 ERA. He led the major leagues with 25 wild pitches in 2011 while allowing a career-high 31 homers.

VARITEK SAYS GOODBYE: Jason Varitek has officially announced his retirement, bringing to an end a beloved 15-year career with the Boston Red Sox.

Varitek made the announcement on Thursday night at the team's spring training facility in Fort Myers, Fla. Many of his teammates, his parents, Red Sox ownership and his wife and three daughters all attended.

Varitek says he grappled with the decision for a long time. The Red Sox offered the 39-year-old a chance to come to camp on a minor-league contract, but he declined. He says "the hardest thing to do is walk away from your teammates."

The captain helped lead the Red Sox to two World Series titles. He caught a record four no-hitters and played in three All-Star games.

YANKEES PLAN TO LOWER PAYROLL: New York Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner says it's his goal to lower the team's payroll to $189 million over the next few years.

Under baseball's new labor contract, the luxury tax threshold will be at $189 million after the 2013 season.