Bundy: "There are just some things I need to work on"

In three starts for short-season Single-A Aberdeen, right-hander Dylan Bundy allowed one run and struck out 22 batters in 15 innings. Opponents in the New York-Penn League hit .189 against him.

In three starts for advanced Single-A Frederick, Bundy has allowed 12 runs and struck out six batters in 11 2/3 innings. Opponents in the Carolina League are hitting .326 against him.

This just in: The competition grows tougher at each level of the farm system.

Bundy worked four-plus innings last night in Salem and was charged with six runs and six hits, with two walks and one strikeout. He's on a 75-pitch limit that will remain throughout the rest of the season.

Most important to the Orioles, Bundy continues to feel fine as he returns from ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow last summer. There are no physical issues.

"Everything's great," he said today during a phone interview. "I just have some days when the ball comes out of my hand better than others, and that's to be expected from what I've heard.

"So far, there are no problems. No pain, no soreness. As far as health-wise, I'm perfectly healthy."

Bundy has surrendered 15 hits and walked six batters in his 11 2/3 innings with Frederick. All three starts have come on the road, the last two in Salem.

"Part of it is the competition," he said. "Guys can hit it a little bit better than they can in the New York-Penn League. And it's also my execution of my pitches. Maybe I was executing them better at Aberdeen than here.

"I'm leaving my fastball up and I've got to bury pitches when I need to and I'm not doing that. And I need to work on my times to home plate. People are stealing bases on me. There are just some things I need to work on.

"I haven't pitched in a year and a half. I just need to get back in the swing of things and pitch like I know I have to."

The Keys are using a six-man rotation to provide extra rest for Bundy between starts. His next turn comes Tuesday night in Myrtle Beach.

"I'm sure I'll hear in the next couple of days," Bundy said. "I'm sure there will be another start or two here with Frederick until I figure it out. They haven't really told me a lot, so I guess I'll continue working here in Salem."

Meanwhile, the Orioles have transferred Double-A Bowie outfielder Dariel Alvarez and first baseman Christian Walker to Triple-A Norfolk for tonight's game against Rochester. Miguel Gonzalez is making his first start since being optioned.

Alvarez batted .309/.332/.487 with 20 doubles, one triple, 14 home runs and 68 RBIs in 91 games at Bowie. Walker batted .301/.367/.516 with 15 doubles, two triples, 20 home runs and 77 RBIs in 95 games.

The Orioles traded Brett Wallace to the Blue Jays earlier this week to create a spot for Walker, who's starting at first base and batting third tonight for the Tides. Alvarez is in right field and batting fourth.

Gonzalez is scheduled to start for the Orioles on July 22 in Anaheim.