Fansided

5 rookies who could impact the MLB playoff race

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) looses his helmet on the way to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) looses his helmet on the way to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 22: Dylan Bundy #37 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the second inning during a baseball game against the the Washington Nationals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 22, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 22: Dylan Bundy #37 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the second inning during a baseball game against the the Washington Nationals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 22, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Dylan Bundy, RHP
Baltimore Orioles

In terms of importance this season and the overall future of a franchise, Bundy may top this list. He stormed through the minor leagues in 2012, the year after being drafted, and reached the big leagues in September. After that brief taste of The Show, the 2011 first-round pick would barely pitch. He missed all of 2013 and most of ’14 and ’15.

Given a guaranteed MLB contract after being drafted, Bundy entered 2016 out of options, forcing the Orioles to place him on the active roster on Opening Day, ready or not. After pitching out of the bullpen for the first three months of the season, Bundy was injected into the Orioles’ struggling rotation in July, and the results have been outstanding.

Since becoming a starter, Bundy is 5-3 in eight starts with a 3.55 ERA. Despite his hampered development, the 23-year-old has looked very polished and has given the Orioles some of their best starts this season. The only concern with this youngster is his rising innings total down the stretch.

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