CLEVELAND — Former Ball State University ace Bryan Bullington made his return to the Major Leagues with Kansas City last week.
Bullington, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 draft, started the year tearing up AAA Omaha. He was 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA for the Royals' minor league affiliate before an injury to Robinson Tejeda opened a spot in the bullpen. Bullington earned the summons Monday with Kansas City on the road, visiting Baltimore.
Bullington, who has been a starter for much of his career, said he was happy to be back in the Major Leagues, no matter what his role was.
"I was in the bullpen last year when I was in the Toronto organization, and I really got comfortable in the role," Bullington said. "The more things I can do, the more I can do to help out the team."
The right-hander appeared in his first game Tuesday since he played on April 30, 2009, for Toronto. Bullington was charged with the loss in the Royals' 4-3 defeat. He pitched again in Kansas City's 8-4 victory at Cleveland the next day.
While Bullington pitched well enough with AAA Las Vegas last year, he has put together a much better campaign this year. His 1.71 ERA in AAA Omaha is Bullington's lowest since 2003, when he was in low-A Hickory, N.C.
Bullington has struggled with the Royals since being recalled. He has given up four runs in three innings and has walked five batters. However, Kansas City is using him in tougher situations than the mop-up duty he had with Toronto last year.
Bullington does not credit his improvement to any mechanical changes. Rather, it has come from putting himself in better situations to be successful.
"I think its getting ahead of guys," he said. "Stuff-wise, it's not that different."
Against Cleveland, Bullington got two quick outs before two Indians reached base and he was lifted for a left-hander. Royals' manager Ned Yost was still pleased with the 29-year old's outing.
"Bully went out and got into a bit of trouble," Yost said. "But he got two big outs, which is key."
In three years at Ball State, Bullington set the career record in victories with 29 and is one of only two Cardinals to have played for Team USA. Since foregoing his senior year to sign with Pittsburgh in 2002, he has played for the Pirates, Indians, Blue Jays and Royals.
Even though coach Rich Maloney has moved on to the University of Michigan, Bullington has kept an eye on Ball State.
"It's a different staff now and the guys I played with are long gone," he said. "I don't do it as much as I did when I left, but I'll still check on them every now and then."
Bullington ran into one of his former teammates in AAA this year. Brad Snyder, former Ball State right fielder and first round draft pick by Cleveland in 2003, is playing in the Chicago Cubs' system.
Bullington won the matchup between former Cardinals, earning the victory and holding Snyder hitless.
"It's always fun getting to compete with guys you played with," he said.
How much longer Bullington will remain with Kansas City is unknown. Tejeda did not go on the disabled list with his calf injury and returned to active duty this weekend. The Royals are carrying 13 pitchers on their roster, more than most teams, but Bullington isn't concerned.
"I just have to enjoy this opportunity and make the most of it," he said. "We'll see what happens."
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