Top 10 MLB rookies expected to be on Opening Day rosters

10. Dylan Bundy, RP, Baltimore Orioles

It’s a make or break year for Bundy, who hasn’t lived up to lofty initial expectations as a prospect, in large part due to injuries. Fortunately for Bundy, he should get an opportunity to contribute in Baltimore right away this season and may be able to flash the upside that made him so intriguing in the first place.

Bundy has largely struggled in the minors while never pitching above Double-A, as he’s dealt with multiple injuries, including a shoulder problem last May and Tommy John surgery in 2013. At 23 years old, it seems Bundy is running out of time to even become a major league regular, let alone the impact pitcher he was once projected to be.

However, Baltimore’s lack of pitching talent and depth should give Bundy a chance to grab a 25-man roster spot on Opening Day. Given the fact that Bundy is out of options and will hit waivers otherwise, the Orioles will likely give him a role, probably as a reliever.

Bundy was pitching very well in Double-A last season before the shoulder injury, posting a 3.68 ERA (1.81 FIP) and 27.8 percent strikeout rate over eight starts per FanGraphs.com. There have been a few more reasons for optimism this spring, as Bundy is touching the mid-90s with his fastball and is showing good command despite being out since May.

When fully healthy, Bundy has an electric fastball, plus a slider and solid enough command to succeed in the Majors. If Bundy shows some initial success as a reliever, he could move into the Baltimore rotation soon enough.

Bundy may never be the top-line starter he was once projected to become, but the upside is still there for him to be a valuable major leaguer in 2016.

Next: 9. Colin Rea, SP, San Diego Padres