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City Projects "Bat Signal" On Skyline For Burnett's Return To The Mound

PITTSBURGH (KDKA/The Sports Xchange) -- "Batman" has returned to PNC Park.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett, who is a big fan of the super hero, took the mound Thursday night for the first time since July 30.

To mark the special occasion, the city is projecting the "Bat Signal" on the Pittsburgh skyline during the game. And fans watching from the ballpark are taking to Twitter to post photos.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto issued a statement thanking DC Comics and Warner Bros. for allowing the city to do it.

The statement says:

"On behalf of the City of Pittsburgh I would like to thank DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment for permission to project the Bat Signal during tonight's Pirates game as we welcome the team back to Pittsburgh and A.J. Burnett back to the mound.

A special thank you is owed to Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull for sponsoring the Bat Signal projection.

Let's Go Bucs."

"The signal goes on and he shows up. That's the way it's been, that's the way it will be." - James Gordon, DC Comics

Sidelined since late July due to inflammation in his pitching elbow, Burnett completed a bullpen session on Sunday without issue ahead of his return to the rotation.

But the 38-year-old has sputtered against Milwaukee, posting a 2-7 mark in 12 career appearances.

Burnett suffered a hard-luck loss to the Brewers on June 8, ending up on the wrong end of the decision despite yielding one run on five hits in seven innings.

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