The Orioles made some surprising news coming out of the All-Star break, announcing rookie right-hander Dylan Bundy will make his first major league start July 17 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Bundy, 23, spent the first half of the 2016 season in the Birds' bullpen, going 2-1 with a 3.08 ERA in 22 games. Prior to this season, Bundy had made two major league appearances, a pair of relief outings in September 2012. A litany of injuries -- including Tommy John surgery and calcification in his right shoulder -- kept him off the field for the majority of the last three seasons.
Bundy got off to a shaky start in 2016, with his ERA hitting a season-worst 5.09 May 24, but he has become significantly more effective since the Orioles started giving him extra rest, similar to a starter's schedule. Since May 31, each of Bundy's eight appearances have been on three or more days' rest, and he has worked two or more innings during seven of those games.
