Coming into 2016, right-hander Dylan Bundy was an unknown commodity for the Orioles.
The Birds' former No. 1 pitching prospect had pitched just 63.1 minor league innings since 2013, falling victim to a litany of injuries that kept him off the field for extended stretches. The O's were essentially forced to carry him on the major league roster, though, because he was out of options.
Now, three months into the 2016 season, the 23-year-old Bundy is anything but a forgotten roster filler. He's turned into an important contributor out of the bullpen, and he's progressing on a path that could land him in the Orioles' starting rotation before the year is out.
Bundy's latest outing -- a scoreless three-inning gem against the Tampa Bay Rays June 26 -- continued his slow but steady increase in workload. His three innings matched a season high, and his 57 pitches were the most he's thrown during any game this season. Five of Bundy's last six outings have been two innings or longer. Additionally, the Orioles are giving him increased rest between outings, similar to a starter's schedule. Each of his past four outings have come on either four or five days' rest.
