Dylan Bundy to pitch in Arizona Fall League

Orioles pitching prospect Dylan Bundy is headed to the Arizona Fall League, MASNsports.com has learned. An Orioles club official would not comment on the move.

Once ranked as high as the No. 2 prospect in the sport by Baseball America, Bundy has made strong and steady progress in recent weeks after dealing with shoulder soreness. The right-hander had Tommy John surgery in June 2013.

Dr. James Andrews cleared Bundy last month to start a throwing program after he was shut down with discomfort caused by calcification in the Teres minor muscle behind his right shoulder. He's been on a throwing progression in Sarasota, Fla., that has reached the point where he is set to throw live batting practice. After that, he would face hitters in a game situation, and that will apparently come in the AFL.

Bundy's comeback from the elbow ligament replacement surgery was going quite well earlier this year when the shoulder discomfort surfaced, and that led to him being shut down until he began throwing in early October.

Earlier this month, MASNSports.com's Roch Kubatko talked with O's director of player development Brian Graham about Bundy's progress after his first bullpen session on Oct. 7. Bundy had last pitched for Double-A Bowie on May 21.

"He threw the ball extremely well, free and easy," Graham said. "The ball is coming out of his hand real good. We don't have a radar gun, but his velocity is good. We're obviously not using a radar gun on purpose, for a reason, but the ball's coming out of his hand very well and he feels great."

Bundy went 0-3 with an ERA of 3.68 in eight starts in 2015 for Bowie. Over 22 innings, he allowed 21 hits with five walks and 25 strikeouts.

Drafted by the Orioles with the fourth overall pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, Bundy has been ranked as the club's No. 1 prospect four straight years from 2011-14. Since the Tommy John procedure, Bundy has pitched just 63 1/3 innings over the past two years.

By going to the AFL, he can build up innings against very good competition. Bundy is out of minor league options and must make the Orioles' opening day roster next year since he can no longer be sent down to the minor leagues without first clearing waivers.