Major League Baseball

Orioles promoting top prospect Bundy

Published Sep. 19, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Ken Rosenthal

The Baltimore Orioles initially had said that they would not promote their top pitching prospect, right-hander Dylan Bundy.

A pennant race and an 18-inning game have a way of changing a team’s best-laid plans.

Bundy, 19, is heading to the majors.

The Orioles' game against the Mariners ended shortly before 4 a.m. ET. Bundy learned of his promotion in Florida via a phone call shortly after that, a source said.

Bundy is expected to join the team in time for its series finale against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night at 10:10 p.m. ET, and likely will fill a limited role in relief.

The Orioles need a fresh arm - they used seven relievers for a combined 12 2/3 scoreless innings in their 4-2 victory over the Mariners on Tuesday night.

Bundy, the fourth overall pick in the 2011 draft out of Owasso (Okla.) H.S., went a combined 9-3 with a 2.08 ERA in 23 starts at three minor-league levels in his first full professional season.

He peaked at Double A, where he made three starts. For the season, he struck out 119 and walked 28 in 103 2/3 innings while allowing just 67 hits.

The Orioles initially declined to promote Bundy, sending him to the Instructional League for further refinement. Bundy issued four walks in 5 1/3 innings in his final minor-league start.

"The instructional league starts on (Sept. 12),” manager Buck Showalter told reporters in late August. “What did he walk, four guys last night? There are some things . . .

“He's at a level he's being challenged at, just like he got challenged more at (Single A) Frederick. I think the progression of his development has been great. Couldn't ask for a better progression. I think we're a little over 2 1/2 weeks for the instructional league to start. I know they've got some plans for him, some things he needs to work on there."

Showalter and his staff, however, had talked excitedly about the possibility of using Bundy in September all season. The Orioles have managed their roster aggressively all season, and on Aug. 9 promoted their top position prospect, shortstop Manny Machado, to play third base.

Machado, who turned 20 on July 6, has played an important role in the team’s success down the stretch, solidifying the infield defense and batting .264 with a .708 OPS.