51s’ Bullington finds relief in new role

In a 2002 draft that featured future major league All-Stars Prince Fielder, Cole Hamels and Scott Kazmir, the Pittsburgh Pirates made 51s pitcher Bryan Bullington the No. 1 overall pick.

But after appearing in only six games for Pittsburgh in six seasons, Bullington was placed on waivers by the Pirates midway through last year.

"It's the game. I'm 28 years old now. They had me for six years, and things didn't work out with me being a starter," said Bullington, claimed off waivers by Cleveland in July, then by Toronto in October. "There were definitely expectations coming into my career. Obviously, for whatever reason, they haven't panned out the way I would've wanted them to.

"But at the same time, I'm still 28, I'm healthy, and I feel like I'm throwing the ball well."

After starting 117 of 120 games in the minors, where he is 52-36 with a 3.85 ERA, Bullington was converted to a reliever by Las Vegas and has thrived in that role.

The right-hander threw two scoreless innings for the 51s in Sunday's 4-0 win over Tacoma and has allowed only one earned run in 10 innings over his last seven outings.

The 6-foot-5-inch 220-pounder is 2-1 this season with a 3.86 ERA, scattering 35 hits in 30 1/3 innings, with only four walks and 34 strikeouts.

"I feel like all year, besides a few outings here and there, I've really thrown the ball pretty well, and my strikeout-to-walk (ratio) has been really good," Bullington said before Monday's 10-8 victory over Tacoma at Cashman Field. "I've given up a few hits, but I don't feel like I've been hit hard consistently for a stretch. I've been able to get back in the groove pretty quickly.

"I'm really enjoying the role right now."

Las Vegas pitching coach Dave LaRoche, who had 126 saves in a 14-year career in the majors, said Bullington is well-suited for the relief role.

"He's got a very loose arm that he gets loose quick," LaRoche said. "He bounces back fast, and he's able to pitch a lot. Those are all pluses.

"Hopefully he has found his niche, because he's got a young arm and he appears to have a lot of innings left in his arm."

Bullington, who missed the entire 2006 season because of shoulder surgery for a torn labrum, allowed eight earned runs in 14 2/3 innings for the Indians last year, when he lowered his arm slot late in the season.

"That really kind of got me back on track and gave me some confidence again," said Bullington, who has increased his velocity to the low 90s this year.

He appeared in four games with Toronto this year, going 0-0 with a 3.00 ERA. He tossed one scoreless inning in each of his first three appearances and allowed two runs in three innings in his final outing.

Bullington is 0-5 with a 5.08 ERA in 13 career games in the majors.

"I definitely think I can pitch at that level right now," he said. "Hopefully I'll get an opportunity at some point to get a long, prolonged stretch to prove to myself and the organization that I can do that job."

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.