Dylan Bundy, a right-handed pitcher, began his professional baseball journey when he was selected by the Baltimore Orioles as the fourth overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft. Hailing from Oklahoma, Bundy was highly regarded for his impressive high school career at Owasso High School, where he demonstrated exceptional pitching skills and a fastball that reached the upper 90s.
Bundy's professional debut came in 2012, and he quickly ascended through the Orioles' minor league system. His rapid progression was a testament to his talent, and by September of the same year, he made his Major League debut with the Orioles. At just 19 years old, Bundy appeared in two games during the 2012 season, showcasing his potential on the big stage.
However, Bundy's early career was not without challenges. In 2013, he faced a significant setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the entire season. Recovery from the surgery was a lengthy process, and Bundy spent the next couple of years working his way back to full strength. He returned to the majors in 2016, where he began to establish himself as a regular in the Orioles' pitching rotation.
The 2016 season marked a turning point for Bundy, as he transitioned from the bullpen to a starting role. He finished the season with a 10-6 record and a 4.02 ERA over 109.2 innings pitched. His performance earned him a spot in the starting rotation for the following season. In 2017, Bundy continued to develop, making 28 starts and posting a 13-9 record with a 4.24 ERA. He also recorded his first career complete game and shutout, further solidifying his role as a starter.
Despite showing promise, Bundy's tenure with the Orioles was marked by inconsistency. Over the next two seasons, he struggled to maintain a low ERA, finishing the 2018 season with a 5.45 ERA and the 2019 season with a 4.79 ERA. Nevertheless, Bundy remained a fixture in the Orioles' rotation, known for his ability to strike out batters and his competitive spirit on the mound.
In December 2019, Bundy's career took a new direction when he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels. The change of scenery seemed to benefit him, as he delivered a strong performance during the shortened 2020 season. Bundy emerged as one of the Angels' most reliable starters, finishing the season with a 6-3 record and a 3.29 ERA over 65.2 innings. His efforts earned him recognition as the Angels' Pitcher of the Year.
The 2021 season, however, proved to be challenging for Bundy. He struggled to find consistency and was eventually moved to the bullpen. He finished the season with a 2-9 record and a 6.06 ERA, leading to questions about his future role with the team.
Throughout his career, Bundy demonstrated resilience and adaptability, navigating the ups and downs of professional baseball.
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