Orioles: Fantasy Impact of Dylan Bundy in the Rotation

By Brad Kelly | Jul 15, 2016

Mar 18, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Dylan Bundy (37) pitches against the New York Yankees during the game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Orioles defeat the Yankees 11-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The Orioles have finally made the move to transition Dylan Bundy back to the rotation. What is the fantasy impact of the move?

Dylan Bundy is being transitioned back to the rotation, as the Baltimore Orioles are dire search for quality rotation depth. Bundy’s time with the Orioles has been tumultuous to say the least, as numerous injuries have slowed his development. But, the arm talent is still there, and he has the potential to have a huge impact moving forward.

Bundy was selected 4th overall in the 2011 draft by the O’s, and he was immediately billed as one of the top prospects in the game. Everything about him, from his makeup to prototypical ace frame, screamed that big things should be expected. Bundy even made his MLB debut at the end of the 2012 season, further increasing the hype that surrounded him.

However, even if the talent is unquestionable, his health has betrayed him. A myriad of arm injuries, including Tommy John surgery, have limited Bundy to only 167 career minor league innings. He missed the entirety of 2013, and has not made more than 10 starts since his rookie year in 2012.

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Dylan Bundy stuck with the big league club heading into the 2016 season, largely because he was out of minor league options. He has been tasked with being in more of a pseudo-middle relief role, but is only used every four days or so. This has obviously been done as an effort to keep him stretched out, and more importantly, healthy.

He holds a, 3.09 ERA/32 K/12 BB/3 HLD line, over 39 innings. He has been especially better as of late, not surrendering a run since June 3rd, and even struck out seven in only two innings of work his last time out.

The most encouraging sign though, is that even after all his arm ailments, his stuff looks as good as ever. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, his curveball still has its sharp downward movement, and his change up appears to be a solid out pitch.

Bundy has avoided injury, and has looked great out of the bullpen this season, warranting fantasy owners to take notice of his impending move to the rotation.

His first big league start will come against the Rays on July 17th, serving as a decent first test. Owners should not expect him to pitch too deeply into the game though, as he has been limited to about 60 pitches out of the bullpen so far in 2016, but the team will surely extend his leash.

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Bundy should be a waiver wire add in deeper leagues with the news of his move, as the K potential is way too hard to pass up. Outside of Chris Tillman, and Kevin Gausman, the Orioles rotation is wide open and offers Bundy a huge chance at securing a spot if he excels. He is certainly a player to watch on Sunday, and if Bundy looks good, owners should jump on him before he becomes a top priority off the waiver wire.

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