Welcome Back Dylan Bundy

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

It was just 353 days ago when Dylan Bundy received Tommy John Surgery. Bundy was drafted in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. The right-hander was said to be the Orioles future ace moving forward. Unfortunately, last year he suffered an untimely injury that required him to have this dreaded surgery that has sidelined so many pitchers in the past.

After beginning his rehab assignment in Sarasota, Florida, both Bundy and his trainers believed he was ready to compete in live, organized ball.

Just last week Bundy addressed the Aberdeen IronBirds media about making his first rehab start with the team and the duration of his stay with the short-season Single-A ball club. Although it seems Bundy’s time with the team will be short, he will be making anywhere from three to five starts with the IronBirds.

He also announced in the press conference that his first start would be on Sunday June 15th at Hudson Valley.

There was much anticipation to see how Bundy would perform in his first rehab start since having surgery. Tommy John Surgery has proven effective to so many young pitchers over the years and Bundy, thankfully, was no exception to that.

In his first inning of work, he sat down the side in order; forcing three consecutive ground balls to end the inning. The second inning was where Bundy caught fire. He struck out the first two batters he faced, both swinging K’s. After surrendering a ground ball single to center field, he ended the inning striking out the very next batter looking.

In the third inning, Bundy proved he can work out of a jam. After giving up back-to-back hits to lead off the inning, Bundy faced the third batter of the inning with runners on second and third, and nobody out. Staying cool, he forced the Hudson Valley hitter to ground out to the shortstop.

Despite giving up a run, Bundy was able to keep things from turning ugly in the third inning. The next batter struck out swinging and Bundy got the following batter to ground out to the shortstop ending the inning and the scoring threat of the Renegades.

After the third inning, Bundy was able to settle down. Over the next two innings, he only gave up two more hits and struck out two more batters as well. On a pitch count, Aberdeen manager Matt Merullo pulled Bundy from the game.

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Bundy ended the day throwing 65 pitches through 5.0 innings of work. In that time he struck out a total of six batters and did not walk a single one. Bundy also only allowed one earned run off of five base hits. His performance earned him a 1.80 ERA and although he picked up the loss, it was good to see the future Orioles star back on the mound pitching again.

Even though he still has a long way to go, I think I speak for all Orioles fans when I say, “Welcome back Dylan Bundy.”