Bundy searching for better results versus Rays

Dylan Bundy gets another chance today to look like his old self instead of the newer version that's been scuffling and gaining national attention for the wrong reasons.

Bundy didn't record an out in his last start against the Royals. He became the first pitcher in the modern era to allow four home runs in a game without retiring a batter.

Opponents have hit nine home runs off Bundy in his last three starts after collecting only one in his first five. His ERA over that period has climbed from 1.42 to 5.31, which happens with 19 earned runs and 22 total surrendered in nine-plus innings.

Health isn't an issue with Bundy and his latest bullpen session raised the level of encouragement in the organization. As manager Buck Showalter says, someone is going to pay down the road.

Maybe it's the Rays in today's series finale.

They ignited his slump on April 26 at Camden Yards by amassing seven earned runs (eight total) and 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings. C.J. Cron and Wilson Ramos hit two-run homers in the first two innings and the Orioles lost 9-5.

Bundy owes the Rays a serious dose of retaliation after the way they've treated him. He's made seven appearances against them, including six starts, and registered a 7.31 ERA and 1.656 WHIP over 32 innings. He's allowed 26 earned runs (27 total) and 41 hits.

Mallex Smith is 4-for-7 against Bundy and Brad Miller is 4-for-11 with a double and home run.

The Rays are starting left-hander Blake Snell, who's 4-2 with a 2.40 ERA and 0.945 WHIP in eight starts and still tired of being called "Nate Snell" in Baltimore.

Left-handers are hitting .118 off Snell and right-handers are hitting .218. He's posted a 4.24 ERA in three starts on regular rest - which is how he's going to pitch today - and a 1.73 ERA in four starts on five days' rest.

The 52nd overall pick in the 2011 amateur draft out of Shorewood (Wa.) High School, Snell is 1-1 with a 3.44 ERA and 0.927 WHIP in three career starts against the Orioles. In his only appearance at Camden Yards, he allowed four runs and six hits and struck out six batters in 4 1/3 innings.

Adam Jones is 3-for-5 with a double and home run against Snell. Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop are a combined 2-for-18 with nine strikeouts.

Left-handers have hit .196 against Snell in his career. Chris Davis is 0-for-5 with four strikeouts. Would this be a good day to put Trey Mancini at first base, with Craig Gentry in left field, Anthony Santander in right, Mark Trumbo at designated hitter and Danny Valencia at third base?

This is assuming that Santander, no longer holding Rule 5 status, remains on the roster. The Orioles will make a move today to bring up a fresh bullpen arm and could option Jimmy Yacabonis, who threw 38 pitches last night in Game 2.