Dylan Bundy Shelved with Elbow Tightness

Right hander Dylan Bundy has experienced what’s being described as “mild” elbow tightness, according to Steve Melewski of MASN (hat tip MLBDailyDish) and will not be throwing until the tightness clears up. Orioles GM Dan Duquette, as quoted by Melewski, offered that Bundy will be rested until the issue is resolved, “which we expect will be in a couple days.”

Mar 9, 2012; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Dylan Bundy (49) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the game at JetBlue Park. The Orioles defeated the Red Sox 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Bundy, rated as the second-best prospect in the game by this site and generally regarded as the top pitching prospect in baseball, is to begin the season with Double-A Bowie a season after he earned a late-season call-up with the Baltimore Orioles. Bundy appeared in four Spring Training games with the O’s before being optioned out in the middle of last month.

The Orioles figure to give Bundy a shot at the big league rotation at some point this year, despite the fact that we won’t be old enough to drink until after the World Series ends. In 2012, the former fourth-overall pick showed the baseball world what the hype was about when he posted a 0.916 WHIP and 119 strikeouts over 103.2 innings across three minor league levels.

This tightness doesn’t sound serious on its surface, but anytime you are dealing with an elbow it gives you pause. Couple that with concerns over reported diminished velocity during camp and you have a recipe for a whole bunch of Orioles fans beginning to freak out.

Baltimore figured to keep Bundy in Double-A for a couple of months this season anyway, if only to delay his arbitration clock as long as possible. We’ll see soon enough if Bundy is able to quickly bounce back, but don’t be shocked if the Orioles are extra careful with their prized hurler.

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