 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.