[1] He was originally selected by the Oakland Athletics in the eighth round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft.

The Oakland Athletics selected Burton out of Western Carolina University in the eighth round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft.

[6] Burton was sent to both Triple-A Louisville[7] and Double-A Chattanooga on a rehab assignment[8] and had a combined 1–1 record with a 6.23 ERA.

[3] After putting together a 4–1 record with a 2.23 ERA in 43 games, he strained a muscle in his chest causing him to go on the disabled list on July 19, 2008.

[4] Despite missing almost a month and a half due to injury, Burton pitched in a career high 54 games and posted a 5–1 record with a 3.22 ERA.

[3] Burton began the 2011 season on the DL and was shut down from throwing due to shoulder inflammation on April 9.

After an impressive spring training and some complications for fellow Twins pitchers Scott Baker and Jason Marquis, Burton made the 2012 Opening Day roster.

On February 16, 2015, Burton signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees and was invited to spring training.

[23] In 12 appearances for the Triple-A Round Rock Express, he recorded an 0.90 ERA with 11 strikeouts across 10 innings pitched.

[24] On January 22, 2016, while still a free agent, Burton was suspended 50 games for a second positive test for a drug of abuse.