What a roller coaster ride this season has been for Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Dylan Bundy. The youngster started off the season 1-2, however, rattled off four quality starts but was getting zero offensive backing. Then things started to go downhill……quickly. 4.2 IP 7 ER, 4.1 IP 5 ER, then rock bottom.
What many consider the worst start in MLB history (0 IP 7 ER 4 HR). Since that game, however, Dylan has bounced back with two good starts (13 IP, 4 ER, 15 SO). He is finally starting to look like he has returned back to ace status and looks to keep it rolling today vs. the Chicago White Sox.
This lineup is one that should definitely help a young pitcher with his confidence. Jose Abreu is always a threat and is tearing it up against righties so far this season, however, other than him there are not too many spots in the lineup that should give Bundy any issues.
Dylans counterpart Lucas Giolito has just been putrid at home so far this season. In four games started he has allowed 20 runs and teams are batting just under .300 against him. I believe Giolito is not as bad as his stats are showing but, the Baltimore Orioles lineup does not reflect their record. If there has ever been a player who has performed in a contract year it is Manny Machado.
The Baltimore Orioles have to love how he is playing because after every game they know they can raise their asking price for him before the July deadline. His slash line says it all, .328/.405/.635, he has just been an impossible out.
Then you have him surrounded by the likes of Schoop, Adam Jones, Trumbo, they may be last in the AL East with only 15 wins but this is by no stretch a lineup that you can just walk over. As long as Dylan Bundy looks like he has in his last two starts The O’s should have no problem rolling past the Sox for season win number 16.
Prediction: Baltimore Orioles -1.5 over Chicago White Sox
Cody Roberts is a senior Wannamakeabet Staff Writer
Check out all the latest baseball lines from our partner Sportsbook MyBookie.com