The anticipation that has built in advance of Dylan Bundy's first major league start is entirely understandable. The kid has gone through a lot and has tremendous promise, but those are reasons No. 2 and No. 3 why today's game is so important.
Bundy could represent much more than an inspiring comeback story if he settles into the Orioles' uneven starting rotation. He really could end up being something of a savior if he fills a slot ably and reduces the urgency to give up the organization's precious few tradeable minor league prospects to acquire a solid veteran starter.
Understand that I said reduce the urgency...not entirely remove it. Even if Bundy pitches well and regularly gets the Orioles through the fifth inning, which might be a stretch in light of his limited innings and unknown endurance, the Orioles still need more pitching.
The rotation currently features only one truly dependable starter, so adding a solid young arm is merely a big step in the right direction. The near-term future still hinges on the second-half performance of still-developing Kevin Gausman and veteran Yovani Gallardo. Even if Bundy pops right now, the Orioles will continue to face uncertainty regarding at least one other spot in the rotation.
Manager Buck Showalter can probably manage through that, but Dan Duquette could help a lot by picking up a veteran such as Scott Feldman (2.50 ERA in a swing role for the Astros) to provide a spot starter and some more depth in the bullpen, which may have just lost Bundy.