Updating Bundy's start at extended spring training

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

May 20, 2014, 10:10am

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PITTSBURGH - Dylan Bundy threw 18 pitches today in his first start in an extended spring training game in Sarasota.

Bundy, who had progressed to throwing live batting practice before today, allowed two home runs on pitches up in the zone. His fastball was clocked at 90-92 mph.

Bundy, 21, is scheduled to work two innings Saturday in another extended spring training game before the Orioles place him on a five-day starter's scheduled in Sarasota. He underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on June 27, 2013.

"I felt great," he said. "The outcome wasn't anything I was expecting, but the main thing is my arm felt great. I didn't have any problems with that."

Bundy, the fourth overall pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, was satisfied with the velocity on his fastball.

"Everybody's telling me that's right where it should be, and my arm's going to keep getting stronger the more I throw," he said. "I'm hoping my velocity goes up each outing.

"The main thing is my arm felt great. I just have to command better."

Bundy hadn't faced hitters from outside the organization since spring training 2013. He threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings in two relief appearances with the Orioles in 2012 and was a combined 9-3 with a 2.08 ERA in 23 starts between Single-A Delmarva, Single-A Frederick and Double-A Bowie.

Bundy, who walked 28 and struck out 119 in 103 2/3 minor league innings, is hoping to join an affiliate by the end of June.

"That's still kind of the goal," he said. "I'd like to be out of here on the one-year anniversary of my surgery. If it's before that, great. If I'm out of here after, that's fine. As long as I'm ready to go up and compete and make sure my arm feels good. That's the main thing."

Also, Johan Santana will start another extended spring training game on Thursday. The Orioles will attempt to extend him to four innings.

This will be Santana's fourth start at extended spring training. He threw 51 pitches over 2 2/3 innings on Friday, and his fastball again topped out at 88 mph.