It was ugly last night for the Orioles, as they lost 8-1, last night at Camden Yards. They could not take advantage of a Yankees’ loss in New York; however, they still lead the Wild Card hunt along with Oakland.
Virginia native Joe Saunders who was making his first start as an Oriole just was not effective on Wednesday. Saunders pretty much doomed the Orioles as he gave up four runs in the opening frame and got marginally better throughout night; however, the offense could not get out of the hole he dug early.
Overall, Saunders lasted 5 1/3 innings, gave seven runs – six earned – struck out four and walked two.
Dylan Alexrod – who started on the mound for Chicago – dominated the Orioles. He went 7 1/3 innings, allowed a run, walked four and struck out five. The Baltimore offense only mustered three hits on the night and Omar Quintanilla drove in the only run.
The biggest news from yesterday centered on super-talented pitcher Dylan Bundy. A lot of fans wondered if he would be called for the stretch run for the Baltimore Orioles and play a small role in leading them to playoffs.
It’s not happening this year.
From the Orioles.com: Orioles top pitching prospect Dylan Bundy will head to instructional league when his season with Double-A Bowie ends, manager Buck Showalter announced prior to Wednesday’s game.
The news effectively eliminates speculation that the 19-year-old Bundy would be a September callup as part of Baltimore’s playoff push.
-snip-
Asked if the organization could call up Bundy in September just to expose him to the atmosphere, Showalter said in a perfect world, perhaps.
“[Procedurally], there’s some other things that happen if you do that,” Showalter said. “Frankly, what you got to ask yourself is, does he have a chance to be on your club to start the season next year? And that kind of effects the way you look at it.
“Right now, I want him to pitch his butt off and help Bowie win an Eastern League Championship. That’s where I want his mindset. And then when that’s over, look forward to working on some weaknesses down in instructional league with some very good instructors.”
I selfishly hoped Bundy would help to electrify the region and contribute as a major leaguer; however, there’s a lot to risk by rushing a pitcher through various levels in one full season.
Bundy is still very young, and it would not hurt to see him work on his craft some more. Buck Showalter knows and the team brass knows what they are doing and there will be plenty of time – barring a major injury – to see him in Baltimore.
The Orioles have plenty of arms in the minors, and hopefully some of them can help out next month.
