View source for Bryan Bullington

{{short description|American baseball player (born 1980)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name=Bryan Bullington
|image=ブライアン・バリントン20150305.JPG
|image_size=250px
|caption=Bullington with the [[Orix Buffaloes]] in 2015
|position=[[Pitcher]]
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1980|9|30}}
|birth_place=[[Indianapolis, Indiana]], U.S.
|bats=Right
|throws=Right
|debutleague=MLB
|debutdate=September 18
|debutyear=2005
|debutteam=Pittsburgh Pirates
|debut2league=NPB
|debut2date=April 14
|debut2year=2011
|debut2team=Hiroshima Toyo Carp
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate=September 25
|finalyear=2010
|finalteam=Kansas City Royals
|final2league = NPB
|final2date=October 1
|final2year=2015
|final2team=Orix Buffaloes
|statleague=MLB
|stat1label=[[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
|stat1value=1–9
|stat2label=[[Earned run average]]
|stat2value=5.62
|stat3label=[[Strikeout]]s
|stat3value=54
|stat2league=NPB
|stat21label=Win–loss record
|stat21value=45–45
|stat22label=Earned run average
|stat22value=3.25
|stat23label=Strikeouts
|stat23value=521
|teams=
* [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] ({{mlby|2005}}, {{mlby|2007}})
* [[Cleveland Indians]] ({{mlby|2008}})
* [[Toronto Blue Jays]] ({{mlby|2009}})
* [[Kansas City Royals]] ({{mlby|2010}})
* [[Hiroshima Toyo Carp]] ({{npby|2011}}–{{npby|2014}})
* [[Orix Buffaloes]] ({{npby|2015}})
| highlights = 
* NPB [[Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Series|All-Star]] (2011)
}}
'''Bryan Paul Bullington''' (born September 30, 1980) is an American former professional [[baseball]] [[pitcher]]. Bullington was the [[List of MLB first overall draft choices|first overall selection]] in the [[2002 Major League Baseball draft]]. In [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB), he played for the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]], [[Cleveland Indians]], [[Toronto Blue Jays]], and [[Kansas City Royals]]. He also played in [[Nippon Professional Baseball]] for the [[Hiroshima Carp]] and the [[Orix Buffaloes]].

==High school career==
During his senior year at [[Madison Consolidated High School]], Bullington was 15–0, and pitched a one-hit game to win the 1999 [[Indiana High School Athletic Association]] Baseball State Finals.<ref>{{cite web |date=June 26, 1999 |title=1999 IHSAA Baseball State Finals |url=http://www.ihsaa.org/b-baseball/99Class3ASummary.html |access-date=August 16, 2010 |website=[[Indiana High School Athletic Association|IHSAA]]}}</ref> Bullington was named Mr. Baseball for the state of Indiana in 1999; an award presented annually to the best high school baseball player in Indiana.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Player of the Year |url=https://ihsbca.org/history/player-of-the-year/ |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association |language=en-US}}</ref> Bullington was drafted in the 37th round (1,111th overall) of the [[1999 Major League Baseball draft]] by the [[Kansas City Royals]], but decided not to sign and attended college instead.<ref>{{Cite web |title=37th Round of the 1999 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?year_ID=1999&draft_round=37&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=June 8, 2024 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> He was recruited by [[Ball State University|Ball State]], [[Purdue University|Purdue]], [[University of Evansville|Evansville]], and [[Indiana University|Indiana]].<ref name="Ball State Greats">{{cite web |date=April 22, 2013 |title=Ball State Baseball Greats: Bryan Bullington |url=http://www.ballstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=14200&ATCLID=207362885 |access-date=July 10, 2015 |website=[[Ball State Cardinals]]}}</ref>

==College career==

===2000===
Bullington decided to follow both his parents and older sister in attending Ball State. During his freshman season, an injury to staff ace Justin Wechsler allowed Bullington to become the Friday night starter. He went 9–4 with a 3.83 ERA during his freshman year, tallying a [[Mid-American Conference]] season-high 99 strikeouts. He was named the MAC Freshman of the Year and received first-team all-conference honors.<ref name="mac">{{cite web |title=Mid-American Conference Baseball Record Book |url=http://mac-sports.com/documents/2014/9/4/14BaseRecord.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205031722/http://www.mac-sports.com/documents/2014/9/4/14BaseRecord.pdf |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |access-date=July 11, 2015 |website=[[Mid-American Conference]]}}</ref>

===2001===
With Bullington atop the rotation, the [[Ball State Cardinals|Cardinals]] put together a great 2001 season, going 21–5 in the Mid-American Conference and winning the regular season title. Bullington went 9–3 during the regular season with a conference-best 3.01 [[Earned run average|ERA]], and was honored as a unanimous choice for [[Mid-American Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Year|MAC's Pitcher of the Year]], becoming the first Cardinal to win the award.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 16, 2001 |title=VanBenschoten, Bullington highlight All-MAC Baseball Team |url=http://mac-sports.com/news/2001/5/16/BB_128015.aspx?path=baseball |access-date=July 10, 2015 |website=[[Mid-American Conference]]}}</ref> Bullington started the Cardinals opening game of the conference tournament against [[Miami University]], but was removed in the first inning after being struck in the face by a line drive off the bat of Brady Nori.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 17, 2001 |title=Miami v. Ball State 5/17/2001 Box Score |url=http://mac-sports.com/news/2001/5/17/BB_128020.aspx?path=baseball |access-date=July 10, 2015 |website=[[Mid-American Conference]]}}</ref> The Cardinals were upset by the [[Miami University|RedHawks]] 13–5. Despite his injury, Bullington came back and pitched 3 days later in their semi-final game against [[Kent State Golden Flashes baseball|Kent State]]. He was tagged for 10 hits and seven earned runs over six innings, taking the loss and eliminating the Cardinals from the tournament.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 20, 2001 |title=Ball State v. Kent State 5/20/2001 Box Score |url=http://mac-sports.com/news/2001/5/20/BB_128291.aspx?path=baseball |access-date=July 10, 2015 |website=[[Mid-American Conference]]}}</ref> Despite his rough finish, he ended the season with a 9–4 record and a 3.50 ERA. Most notably, his 119 strikeouts on the season led the conference once again and broke Ball State's all-time single season strikeout record.<ref name="mac"  /> He went on to pitch for the [[2001 Baseball World Cup|U.S. National Team]] that summer.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zaleski |first=Doug |year=2002 |title=Ball State prospects follow different paths toward draft |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/leagues/NCAA/ballstate0203.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020129231653/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/leagues/NCAA/ballstate0203.html |archive-date=January 29, 2002 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |work=[[Baseball America]]}}</ref>

===2002===
Coming into his junior season, Bullington was touted as one of the best collegiate pitchers in the country. In his third start of the season, he tossed 8 strong innings in a winning effort over the defending National Champion and 17th ranked [[Miami Hurricanes baseball|Miami Hurricanes]].<ref>{{cite web |date=March 13, 2002 |title=Ball State Baseball Dominates Defending National Champions Miami |url=http://mac-sports.com/news/2002/3/13/BB_128965.aspx?path=baseball |access-date=July 10, 2015 |website=[[Mid-American Conference]]}}</ref><ref name="all-america"  /> On May 3, Bullington struck out a career-high 15 batters against [[Eastern Michigan University|Eastern Michigan]], surpassing Bob Owchinko for the most career strikeouts in MAC history. He allowed only five hits and a run over eight innings en route to his ninth win of the season.<ref name="all-america"  /><ref>{{cite web |date=May 6, 2002 |title=Kent State, Ball State Lead Baseball Divisions With Two Weeks Left |url=http://mac-sports.com/news/2002/5/6/BB_127619.aspx?path=baseball |access-date=July 11, 2015 |website=[[Mid-American Conference]]}}</ref> He finished the regular season with a 10–2 mark and a conference-best 2.11 ERA.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 20, 2002 |title=Bowling Green Hosts Conference Baseball Tournament Beginning Thursday |url=http://mac-sports.com/news/2002/5/20/BB_127820.aspx?path=baseball |access-date=July 11, 2015 |website=[[Mid-American Conference]]}}</ref> Bullington and the Cardinals were seeded fourth in the conference tournament and slated to face Kent State in their opening game. However, for the second consecutive year, the [[Kent State Golden Flashes baseball|Golden Flashes]] had Bullington's number in the tournament, scoring six runs off him in the first inning on their way to a 13–4 win.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 22, 2002 |title=Kent State Advances In MAC Baseball Tournament With 13-4 Win Over Ball State |url=http://mac-sports.com/news/2002/5/22/BB_127829.aspx?path=baseball |access-date=July 11, 2015 |website=[[Mid-American Conference]]}}</ref> The Cardinals went on to advance to the championship, where they met undefeated Kent State again three days later. In an effort to avoid a repeat of the first game, Coach [[Rich Maloney]] chose to bring Bullington out of the bullpen in relief. Bullington entered the game in the fourth inning and allowed five earned runs over six innings. Despite the rough outing, it was enough to earn him his career-high 11th win of the season, thanks to 16 runs of support.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 25, 2002 |title=Ball State Stays Alive, 16-9 |url=http://mac-sports.com/news/2002/5/25/BB_128173.aspx?path=baseball |access-date=July 11, 2015 |website=[[Mid-American Conference]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=May 25, 2002 |title=Kent State v. Ball State 5.25.2002 Box Score Game 1 |url=http://mac-sports.com/news/2002/5/25/BB_128171.aspx?path=baseball |access-date=July 11, 2015 |website=[[Mid-American Conference]]}}</ref> Bullington finished 11–3 with a conference-best ERA of 2.86 for the year, and broke his own single season strikeout record with 139 strikeouts. He finished the season leading the MAC in wins, ERA, strikeouts, and innings pitched for the 2002 season. He recorded double-digit strikeouts in eight of his starts. He was once again named the MAC's Pitcher of the Year, becoming the first player to win the honor in consecutive seasons, and received first-team all-conference honors for the third consecutive season.<ref name="mac" /> Nationally, he was unanimously recognized as a First-Team All-American<ref name="all-america">{{cite web |date=June 20, 2002 |title=Ball State's Bryan Bullington Named To Baseball America All-America Team |url=http://mac-sports.com/news/2002/6/20/BB_128510.aspx?path=baseball |access-date=July 11, 2015 |website=[[Mid-American Conference]]}}</ref> and named a finalist for the [[Dick Howser Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web |date=May 10, 2002 |title=NCBWA Announces Dick Howser Trophy Semifinalists |url=http://www.sportswriters.net/ncbwa/news/2002/howser020510.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031103125908/http://www.sportswriters.net/ncbwa/news/2002/howser020510.html |archive-date=November 3, 2003 |access-date=July 11, 2015 |website=Sportswriters.net}}</ref> After being drafted first overall, he decided to forgo his senior season and sign with the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]].<ref name="bryan">{{cite web |date=July 22, 2010 |title=DN Rankings:The top 20 Ball State athletes in the last 20 years |url=http://admin.collegepublisher.com/preview/mobile/2.11224/1.2281788 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119131920/http://admin.collegepublisher.com/preview/mobile/2.11224/1.2281788 |archive-date=January 19, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |website=[[Ball State University|The Ball State Daily News]]}}</ref><ref name="draft 2">{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Alan |date=October 30, 2002 |title=Bullington Signs Multimillion Dollar Deal With Bucs |url=http://mac-sports.com/news/2002/10/30/BB_126097.aspx?path=baseball |access-date=July 11, 2015 |website=[[Mid-American Conference]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He left Ball State as the winningest pitcher in school history. He still holds the school records for most career wins (29), most single-season strikeouts (139), most career strikeouts (357), and tied for most single-season wins (11).<ref>{{cite web |title=Ball State Baseball Individual Records |url=http://www.ballstatesports.com/fls/14200/Stats/baseball/PDF/Individual-Records.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=14200 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626035024/http://www.ballstatesports.com/fls/14200/Stats/baseball/PDF/Individual-Records.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=14200 |archive-date=June 26, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |website=[[Ball State Cardinals]]}}</ref> As of 2012, he holds the Mid-American Conference record in career strikeouts and single-season strikeouts. He is one of only twelve players to be named first-team All-MAC for three consecutive seasons.<ref name="mac" /> In 2010, the Ball State Daily News named Bullington the third best athlete to come from the school since 1990.<ref name="bryan" />

==Professional career==
Bullington was the first overall pick in the [[2002 Major League Baseball draft]] by the Pittsburgh Pirates.<ref name="draft 2"  /><ref name="draft">{{cite news |last=Eagle |first=Ed |date=June 4, 2002 |title=Pirate's take Ball State's Bullington |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020604&content_id=41482&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=null |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204112023/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20020604&content_id=41482&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=null |archive-date=February 4, 2009 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> The selection by the Pirates was widely viewed as a signability selection, as the Pirates felt they had a better chance of signing him over other top players in the draft. Then-general manager [[Dave Littlefield]] said of the selection: "There was quite a bit of discussion on where we were going to go. It wasn't a situation where we were trying to be crafty. It was more a situation that it wasn't a year where it was one player standing above anybody else, and we felt we had to consider a lot of different factors. We feel very comfortable and good about drafting Bullington.""Being a college pitcher, he's going to be a little closer than a high school draftee...I'd anticipate we're looking at him a couple of years away."<ref name="draft" />

Bullington was the first player from the Mid-American Conference to be selected with the first pick in a major sport's draft. On October 30, 2002, Bullington signed a minor league deal with the Pirates, which included a $4 million signing bonus.<ref name="draft 2" /><ref name="seth">{{cite news |last=Livingstone |first=Seth |date=August 16, 2010 |title=Bryan Bullington blanks Yankees for first win--eight years after being top draft pick |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/dailypitch/post/2010/08/bryan-bullington-blanks-yanks-for-first-win----eight-years-after-being-top-draft-pick/1 |access-date=December 16, 2012 |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |date=August 16, 2011 |title=Pirates ink No.1 pick Cole, second-rounder Bell |url=http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110816&content_id=23270806 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712121933/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/23270806 |archive-date=July 12, 2015 |access-date=December 16, 2012 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref>

===2003===
Before ever throwing a professional pitch, Bullington was ranked as the 52nd-best prospect in baseball coming into the 2003 season by ''[[Baseball America]]''. The Pirates assigned him to their Class–A affiliate, the [[Hickory Crawdads]], and he appeared in eight games (seven starts) for them, going 5–1 with a 1.39 ERA over 45{{frac|1|3}} innings before being promoted to the Advanced-A [[Lynchburg Hillcats]]. He made 17 starts with Lynchburg, going 8–4 with a 3.05 ERA. Bullington combined for a 13–5 record and a 2.52 ERA over 142{{frac|2|3}} innings.<ref name="Baseball-Reference">{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=bullin001bry|title=Bryan Bullington Minor League Statistics & History|work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]|access-date=September 3, 2015}}</ref>

===2004===
Bullington was ranked the 97th-best prospect in baseball by ''[[Baseball America]]'' coming into the 2004 season. He was assigned to the Pirates' Double–A affiliate, the [[Altoona Curve]], and in his first 17 starts, he went 6–5 with a 3.89 ERA, earning him a spot in the Eastern League All-Star Game.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 13, 2004 |title=Four Curve players picked for all-star game |url=http://articles.dailyamerican.com/2004-07-13/sports/26328390_1_eastern-league-all-star-northern-division-fans |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305180520/http://articles.dailyamerican.com/2004-07-13/sports/26328390_1_eastern-league-all-star-northern-division-fans |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |work=[[Daily American (Pennsylvania newspaper)|Daily American]]}}</ref> Bullington was also named to the United States squad for the 2004 [[All-Star Futures Game|Futures Game]], where he pitched a scoreless sixth inning.<ref>{{cite news |last=Callis |first=Jim |date=July 11, 2004 |title=Pitchers dominate Futures Game as U.S. wins |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/040711fg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040714055810/http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/040711fg.html |archive-date=July 14, 2004 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |work=[[Baseball America]]}}</ref> He went 6–2 for the rest of the season before being shut down. Bullington finished the season 12–7 with a 4.10 ERA in 26 starts.<ref name="Baseball-Reference"/>

===2005–2006===
Bullington was promoted to the Pirates' [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple–A]] affiliate, the [[Indianapolis Indians]], at the beginning of the 2005 season. He began the season on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis.<ref name="scout">{{cite news |last=Von Benko |first=George |date=October 18, 2005 |title=Bullington Has Shoulder Surgery |url=http://pirates.scout.com/2/454272.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217055614/http://pirates.scout.com/2/454272.html |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |work=[[Scout.com]]}}</ref> He made 18 starts with Indianapolis, going 9–5 with a 3.38 ERA.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 16, 2005 |title=Playoffs over for Indians Bullington awaiting call-up by Pirates |url=http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=26023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217071532/http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=26023 |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref> On September 16, the Pirates called Bullington up to the major leagues, along with [[José Bautista]], [[Matt Capps]], [[Tom Gorzelanny]], and [[Ronny Paulino]].<ref>{{cite news |date=September 17, 2005 |title=Bryan Bullington called up by Pirates |url=http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=26046&TM=31403.7 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217071205/http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=26046&TM=31403.7 |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref> On September 18, he made his major league debut against the [[Cincinnati Reds]], relieving starting pitcher [[Óliver Pérez]] in the third inning with two outs. He pitched 1{{frac|1|3}} innings, allowing a hit, a walk, a [[hit by pitch]], and two [[earned run]]s.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 18, 2005 |title=Reds vs. Pirates 9/18/2005 Box Score |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PIT/PIT200509180.shtml |access-date=December 17, 2012 |work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]}}</ref> Bullington didn't pitch again for the remainder of the season. Shortly afterwards, it was announced that he would have surgery on his throwing shoulder. On October 17, Bullington had the surgery to repair damage to his labrum in his right throwing shoulder.<ref name="scout" /> Then-GM [[Dave Littlefield]] said of the surgery, "There was a little more damage than they [initially] thought."<ref name="scout" /> As a result of the surgery, he missed the entire 2006 season.

===2007===
{| border="1" class="wikitable" style="float:right; text-align:center; align=center; margin:10px"
|+ Shoulder problems
! Indianapolis (Triple–A)
! Starts
! W-L Record
! ERA
|-
! Before June 10
| 12 || 9–2 || 2.75
|-
! After June 10
| 13 || 2–7 || 5.21
|}

Bullington returned to Triple–A Indianapolis for the 2007 season. He started off hot, going 4–0 with a 1.17 ERA over his first five starts, and was named Indianapolis's Player of the Month for April. In his next seven starts, he went 5–2 with a 3.83 ERA. On June 10, Bullington left a game after pitching only one inning due to shoulder discomfort, and was placed on the 15-day disabled list.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 11, 2007 |title=Knights Defeat Indians |url=http://www.wbiw.com/sports/archives/2007/06/knights_defeat_indians.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007095530/http://www.wbiw.com/sports/archives/2007/06/knights_defeat_indians.php |archive-date=October 7, 2008 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |work=[[WBIW]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 25, 2007 |title=Indianapolis vs. Toledo 6.25.2007 Game Notes |url=http://www.milb.com/documents/2007/06/25/264866/1/notes-game76_062507.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217060709/http://www.milb.com/documents/2007/06/25/264866/1/notes-game76_062507.pdf |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |website=[[Minor League Baseball]]}}</ref> He made his next start on June 25, where he got hit around for six earned runs in only 2{{frac|1|3}} innings. Bullington led the International League with 10 wins at the all-star break, and sported a 4.04 ERA with 49 strikeouts and 37 [[Base on balls|walks]] over 89 innings. He was named the starting pitcher for the International League in the Triple-A All-Star Game, where he gave up two earned runs over two innings, and was named the winning pitcher in the game after his team scored four runs in the first inning and never surrendered the lead.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 12, 2007 |title=Bullington Gets All-Star Win |url=http://mariners.scout.com/2/658138.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217055425/http://mariners.scout.com/2/658138.html |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2012 |work=[[Scout.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 11, 2007 |title=2007 AAA All-Star Game Boxscore |url=https://www.mlbdraftleague.com/gameday/int-all-stars-vs-pcl-all-stars/2007/07/11/220836/final/box |access-date=December 17, 2012 |work=[[Minor League Baseball]]}}</ref> He made ten more starts to finish out his minor league season, struggling to a 1–5 record with a 3.94 ERA over the stretch. Despite his rough finish, he was named the [[Indianapolis Indians|Indians']] Comeback Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 1, 2007 |title=Louisville vs. Indianapolis 9.1.2007 Game Notes |url=http://www.milb.com/documents/2007/09/01/297803/1/notes-game142_090107.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217061409/http://www.milb.com/documents/2007/09/01/297803/1/notes-game142_090107.pdf |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |work=[[Minor League Baseball]]}}</ref> He finished the season 11–9 with a 4.00 ERA, and led the team in wins (11), starts (26), and innings pitched (150{{frac|2|3}}).<ref name="Baseball-Reference" /> The Pirates called up Bullington as a part of their [[Major League Baseball rosters#September call-ups|September call-ups]] on September 3.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |date=September 3, 2007 |title=Notes: Pirates recall three from Minors |url=http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070903&content_id=2186557&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220052510/http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070903&content_id=2186557&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit |archive-date=February 20, 2008 |access-date=June 8, 2024 |website=[[Pittsburgh Pirates]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He made five appearances (three starts), going 0–3 with a 5.29 ERA.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Bryan Bullington Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bullibr01.shtml |access-date=June 8, 2024 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>

===2008===
[[File:Bullington enters (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Bullington pitching for the [[2008 Cleveland Indians season|Cleveland Indians in 2008]]]]
Bullington was placed on the Pirates' 40-man roster and attended Spring training. On March 17, he was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 17, 2008 |title=Pirates Make Roster Moves |url=http://pirates.scout.com/2/738302.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217055427/http://pirates.scout.com/2/738302.html |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |work=[[Scout.com]]}}</ref> He got off to a bad start, going 1–6 with a 6.95 ERA over his first nine starts. However, he bounced back in his next two, going 2–0 with a 1.38 ERA on his way to being named the International League Pitcher of the Week. On May 29, the Pirates recalled him to the majors.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kovacevic |first=Dejan |date=May 29, 2008 |title=Pirates recall Bullington, demote Salas |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2008/05/29/Pirates-recall-Bullington-demote-Salas/stories/200805290352 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]}}</ref> However, he didn't pitch in a major league game. On June 13, Bullington was optioned back to Indianapolis.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 13, 2008 |title=Pirates recall Salas, option Bullington to minors |url=http://newsok.com/pirates-recall-salas-option-bullington-to-minors/article/3257199 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217065756/http://newsok.com/pirates-recall-salas-option-bullington-to-minors/article/3257199 |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |work=[[The Oklahoman|NewsOK]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> On July 3, the Pirates announced that they were [[Designated for assignment|designating Bullington for assignment]] to make room on their 40-man roster for [[Chris Duffy (baseball)|Chris Duffy]]. When asked about the move, Bullington said, "I really appreciate everything the Pirates have done for me, but I feel like a fresh start with another organization wouldn't be such a bad thing at this point."<ref>{{cite news |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |date=July 3, 2008 |title=Bullington designated for assignment |url=http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20080703&content_id=3059120&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051449/http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20080703&content_id=3059120&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |work=[[Pittsburgh Pirates]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Bullington finished the first half of the season with a 4–6 record and a 5.52 ERA over 15 starts with Indianapolis.<ref name="Baseball-Reference" />

On July 10, the [[Cleveland Indians]] claimed Bullington off waivers and assigned him to their Triple–A affiliate, the [[Buffalo Bisons]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=July 10, 2008 |title=Bullington claimed, sent to Triple-A |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080710&content_id=3108934&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217062653/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080710&content_id=3108934&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 18, 2012 |work=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He made 10 appearances (eight starts) for Buffalo, compiling a 1–3 record with a 4.75 ERA and recorded his first professional [[save (baseball)|save]].<ref name="Baseball-Reference" /> On September 8, Bullington was called up to the Indians after injuries to their starting rotation left them shorthanded.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 8, 2008 |title=Indians promote RHP Bryan Bullington from Triple-A |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080908&content_id=3438582&vkey=pr_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217062655/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20080908&content_id=3438582&vkey=pr_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |work=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=September 8, 2008 |title=Cleveland Indians recall pitcher Bullington to start on Saturday |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2008/09/cleveland_indians_recall_pitch.html |access-date=December 19, 2012 |work=[[The Plain Dealer|Cleveland.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=September 13, 2008 |title=Bullington ready for his chance |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20080913&content_id=3466835&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083430/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20080913&content_id=3466835&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=December 19, 2012 |work=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Bullington made three appearances (two starts) for the Indians, going 0–2 with a 4.91 ERA.<ref name=":0" /> Soon after the end of the season, he was designated for assignment and claimed off waivers by the [[Toronto Blue Jays]].<ref>{{cite news |date=October 24, 2008 |title=Blue Jays claim Bullington |url=http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20081024&content_id=3642668&vkey=pr_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217062602/http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20081024&content_id=3642668&vkey=pr_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 20, 2012 |work=[[Toronto Blue Jays]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

===2009===
{| border="1" class="wikitable" style="float:right; text-align:center; align=center; margin:10px"
|+ 2009 Monthly Breakdown
! Las Vegas (Triple–A)
! Innings
! W–L Record
! ERA
! WHIP
! Strikeouts
! Walks
! Holds
! Saves
|-
! April
| 9{{frac|2|3}} || 1–1 || 1.86 || 1.20 || 10 || 1 || 1 || -
|-
! May
| 15{{frac|2|3}} || 1–0 || 6.32 || 1.71 || 18 || 3 || 3 || -
|-
! June
| 13 || 1–0 || 1.38 || 0.92 || 15 || 3 || 3 || 3
|}

Bullington reported to Spring training with the Blue Jays, and on March 3, the Blue Jays outrighted him to their Triple–A affiliate, the [[Las Vegas 51s]].<ref>{{cite news |date=March 3, 2009 |title=Bullington out-righted to Triple-A Las Vegas by Blue Jays |url=http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=49537&TM=55437.63 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217071939/http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=49537&TM=55437.63 |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 24, 2012 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref> After Spring training, when asked about his time in Buffalo, Bullington said, "Pitching coach [[Scott Radinsky]] had me drop my arm slot, and I got back to where I was in college, feeling more comfortable and getting some more action on the ball. I carried that into the spring this year, and I like the way the ball's coming out of my hand." Bullington was moved to the bullpen as a long reliever for the 51s and served as a spot-starter.<ref>{{cite news |last=Greene |first=Ryan |date=April 10, 2009 |title=Bullington ready for new role, new town, new team |url=http://138.210.151.139/news/2009/apr/10/las-vegas-51s-bullington-041009/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217132336/http://138.210.151.139/news/2009/apr/10/las-vegas-51s-bullington-041009/ |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 24, 2012 |work=[[Las Vegas Sun]]}}</ref> Bullington made four relief appearances for Las Vegas in April, going 1–1 with a 1.86 ERA. On April 23, Bullington's contract was purchased by Toronto after [[B. J. Ryan]] was placed on the disabled list with shoulder soreness.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 24, 2009 |title=Blue Jays call up LHP Burres |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/2009-04-24-3516365306_x.htm |access-date=December 24, 2012 |work=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He made four appearances, including three scoreless outings, for the Blue Jays. On April 30, Bullington was demoted back to Las Vegas, and was outrighted on May 6.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dodd |first=Rustin |date=April 30, 2009 |title=Jays send Burres, Bullington to Triple-A |url=http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090430&content_id=4497640&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217062504/http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090430&content_id=4497640&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp&c_id=tor |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 24, 2012 |work=[[Toronto Blue Jays]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He made twenty-four more relief appearances for the 51s over May and June before being placed on the disabled list for undisclosed reasons.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 9, 2009 |title=Bullington placed on disabled list |url=http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=51783&TM=787.919 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217071846/http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=51783&TM=787.919 |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 30, 2012 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref> He stayed on the disabled list for the remainder of the season, and finished the season 3–1 with seven holds, three saves, and a 3.52 ERA in 28 relief appearances with Las Vegas.<ref name="Baseball-Reference" /> After the season, the Blue Jays chose not to re-sign him and he became a free agent.

On November 24, the [[Kansas City Royals]] signed him to a minor league contract for the 2010 season.<ref name="royals">{{cite news |date=November 24, 2009 |title=Royals agree to minor league contract with pitcher Bryan Bullington |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20091124&content_id=7710692&vkey=pr_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217062504/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20091124&content_id=7710692&vkey=pr_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 30, 2012 |work=[[Kansas City Royals]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

===2010===
[[File:Bryan Bullington on May 30, 2010.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Bullington pitching for the [[Omaha Royals]], triple-A affiliates of the [[Kansas City Royals]], in {{Baseball year|2010}}]]
Bullington reported to camp with the Kansas City Royals for Spring training, where they moved him back into his original role as a starter. He made five starts in Spring training, pitching nine innings and giving up five runs. On March 28, Bullington was reassigned to minor league camp and started the season with their Triple-A affiliate, the [[Omaha Royals]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |date=March 28, 2010 |title=Royals send Bullington to Minors camp |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100328&content_id=8977552&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217062411/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100328&content_id=8977552&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 31, 2012 |work=[[Kansas City Royals]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He began the season in Omaha's starting rotation, but was moved to the bullpen after one start to make room for [[Anthony Lerew]]. He made two relief appearances before being moved back into the starting rotation in late April after [[Bruce Chen]] was promoted to the majors.<ref name="omaha">{{cite news |last=McNabb |first=Kevin |date=June 2, 2010 |title=Royals at New Orleans, 7:00 p.m. |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-10717068 |access-date=January 1, 2013 |work=[[Omaha Storm Chasers|Omaha Royals]] |publisher=[[Minor League Baseball]]}}</ref> He made seven appearances (five starts) in total for Omaha, going 2–0 with a 1.71 ERA, before being called up to Kansas City.

On May 16, the Royals purchased Bullington's contract and called him up to work out of the bullpen.<ref name="omaha" /><ref>{{cite news |last=McNabb |first=Kevin |date=May 17, 2010 |title=Royals at Las Vegas, 9:05 p.m. |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-10111238 |access-date=December 31, 2012 |work=[[Omaha Storm Chasers|Omaha Royals]] |publisher=[[Minor League Baseball]]}}</ref> His first stint with Kansas City was brief, making only three appearances before being sent back down to Omaha on May 25.<ref name="omaha" /><ref>{{cite news |date=May 25, 2010 |title=Royals select contract of infielder Wilson Betemit from Omaha |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100525&content_id=10412338&vkey=pr_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217062602/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100525&content_id=10412338&vkey=pr_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 31, 2012 |work=[[Kansas City Royals]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Bullington threw two scoreless relief outings for Omaha before rejoining their rotation in early June. He made 13 appearances (10 starts) for Omaha after his demotion, going 6–2 with a 3.60 ERA. In total, Bullington finished his Triple-A season 8–2 with a 2.82 ERA in 20 games (15 starts).<ref name="Baseball-Reference" /> He made 11 [[quality starts]], including his last four starts in a row. His 2.82 ERA and 1.12 WHIP would have led the [[Pacific Coast League]], but he came up 13{{frac|1|3}} innings short of qualifying.<ref>{{cite web |title=2010 PCL Pitching Leaders |url=http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?y=2010&t=l_pit&lid=112&sid=t541 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217061452/http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?y=2010&t=l_pit&lid=112&sid=t541 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=January 1, 2013 |website=[[Minor League Baseball]]}}</ref> He was named Omaha's Pitcher of the Year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |date=September 2, 2010 |title=Royals announce Minor League awards |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100901&content_id=14188220&notebook_id=14189142&vkey=notebook_hou&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217062413/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100901&content_id=14188220&notebook_id=14189142&vkey=notebook_hou&c_id=kc |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2012 |work=[[Kansas City Royals]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>

On July 28, the Royals recalled Bullington to work out of the bullpen again. He pitched in that afternoon's game against the [[2010 Minnesota Twins|Minnesota Twins]], coming into the game in the seventh inning and pitching two scoreless innings.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |date=July 28, 2010 |title=Royals recall Bullington, option Marte |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100728&content_id=12719874&notebook_id=12718300&vkey=notebook_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217014345/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100728&content_id=12719874&notebook_id=12718300&vkey=notebook_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=January 1, 2013 |work=[[Kansas City Royals]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He made another relief appearance on August 2 against the [[2010 Oakland Athletics season|Oakland Athletics]], pitching two more scoreless innings. On August 6, the Royals announced Bullington would replace the struggling [[Brian Bannister]] in the starting rotation, and would make his first start of the year on August 10 against the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |date=August 6, 2010 |title=Bannister to be skipped in next rotation turn |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100806&content_id=13116612&notebook_id=13122294&vkey=notebook_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217010157/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100806&content_id=13116612&notebook_id=13122294&vkey=notebook_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |work=[[Kansas City Royals]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Bullington threw six innings of three-run ball, walking one and striking out four in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 11, 2010 |title=Bullington returns to the Majors |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oqU0z5vklw |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611114457/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oqU0z5vklw |archive-date=June 11, 2014 |access-date=August 4, 2013 |website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 10, 2010 |title=Royals v. Angels 8.10.2010 Boxscore |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ANA/ANA201008100.shtml |access-date=January 3, 2013 |work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |date=August 11, 2010 |title=Bullington holds own in return to Majors |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100810&content_id=13280628&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217010317/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100810&content_id=13280628&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |work=[[Kansas City Royals]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Manager [[Ned Yost]] liked what he saw from Bullington though, saying, "He really got after them and gave us a shot to win the ballgame, and I'll give him another chance. We backed Brian Bannister up another start and just give him a chance to keep working and give Bully a little bit of a shot." Bullington made his next start on August 15 against the [[2010 New York Yankees season|New York Yankees]], where he threw eight innings of shutout ball. He allowed only two hits and earned his first and only Major League victory.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 10, 2010 |title=Bullington's strong start |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYS3yzc2TpA |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611114704/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYS3yzc2TpA |archive-date=June 11, 2014 |access-date=August 4, 2013 |website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=August 15, 2010 |title=Royals v. Yankees 8.15.2010 Boxscore |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA201008150.shtml |access-date=January 3, 2013 |work=[[Baseball-Reference.com]]}}</ref>

{{center|{{linescore
| Date = August 15, 2010 | Time = 1:10 PM | Location = [[Kauffman Stadium]] | Road = New York Yankees | RoadAbr = NYY
| R1 =0  | R2 =0  | R3 =0  | R4 =0  | R5 =0  | R6 =0  | R7 =0  | R8 =0  | R9 =0  | RR =0  | RH =2  | RE =3 
| Home = Kansas City Royals  | HomeAbr = KC
| H1 =1  | H2 =0  | H3 =0  | H4 =0  | H5 =0  | H6 =0  | H7 =0  | H8 =0  | H9 =0  | HR =1  | HH =4  | HE =0 
| WP = Bryan Bullington | LP = [[A. J. Burnett]] | SV = [[Joakim Soria]]
| Attendance = 26,012 | Notes = | BoxURL = https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA201008150.shtml
}}}}

Bullington said after the start, "This is a good day, that's for sure. It was a lot of fun, a long time in coming, and I really enjoyed it. At times there were days in Triple–A where it felt like I was never going to get another shot. I'm 29 years old and I'm to the point where I don't want to kick around in Triple–A for another four or five years. If I'm going to do this, I want to do it now."<ref name="seth" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |date=August 15, 2010 |title=Bullington tops Yanks for first career win |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100815&content_id=13490736&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217010802/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100815&content_id=13490736&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |work=[[Kansas City Royals]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> "I've had a few brief (major league) stints, but this is the first time I myself believe I belong here and can pitch at this level."<ref>{{cite news |date=August 15, 2010 |title=Bryan Bullington gets first win as Royals shade Yankees 1-0 |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2010-08-15-yankees-royals_N.htm |access-date=January 3, 2013 |work=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

Bullington made three more starts from that point on, struggling to an 0–2 mark and a 10.67 ERA.<ref>{{cite news |last=Barone |first=John |date=August 27, 2010 |title=Bullington struggles as Royals fall to Tribe |url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100827&content_id=14007794&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901002045/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100827&content_id=14007794&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc |archive-date=September 1, 2010 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |work=[[Kansas City Royals]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Bullington was moved back to the bullpen as a long reliever for September when two regular starters returned from the disabled list.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kaegel |first=Dick |date=September 3, 2010 |title=Bannister, Hochevar return to Royals' rotation |url=http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/14242218 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031044359/http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/14242218 |archive-date=October 31, 2017 |access-date=January 3, 2013 |work=[[Kansas City Royals]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He made three appearances out of the bullpen in September, allowing five runs over 7{{frac|1|3}} innings. He finished the year 1–4 with a 6.12 ERA in 13 games (five starts) for Kansas City. On November 24, the Royals placed Bullington on unconditional release waivers, freeing him to sign with the [[Hiroshima Toyo Carp]] of Japan's [[Central League]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Kaegel|first=Dick|url=http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101124&content_id=16198226&vkey=news_kc&c_id=kc|title=Bullington signs contract with Japanese team|work=MLB.com|date=November 24, 2010|access-date=February 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005175710/http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101124&content_id=16198226&vkey=news_kc&c_id=kc|archive-date=October 5, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=November 26, 2010 |title=Bullington headed to Hiroshima Toyo Carp |url=http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=59918 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130801223351/http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=59918 |archive-date=August 1, 2013 |access-date=August 1, 2013 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=November 25, 2010 |title=Bryan Bullington signs with the Hiroshima Carp |url=http://yakyubaka.com/2010/11/25/bryan-bullington-signs-with-the-hiroshima-carp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021155403/http://yakyubaka.com/2010/11/25/bryan-bullington-signs-with-the-hiroshima-carp/ |archive-date=October 21, 2013 |access-date=August 1, 2013 |work=Yakyubaka}}</ref>

Years later, Bullington would say of his only major league win: "I remember they told me I was done after eight, and just going into the tunnel for a second before I came back out to watch the ninth. It just kind of sits with you, if I never get this opportunity again or this is it, it's certainly worth it."<ref name="Ball State Greats"  />

===2011===
Bullington signed a one-year, $650,000 contract, with a team option for a second year, and reported to spring camp with the Carp.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 7, 2010 |title=Hiroshima Carp agree to terms with 3 foreign players |url=http://yakyubaka.com/2010/12/07/hiroshima-carp-agree-to-terms-with-3-foreign-players |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816083612/http://yakyubaka.com/2010/12/07/hiroshima-carp-agree-to-terms-with-3-foreign-players/ |archive-date=August 16, 2013 |access-date=August 1, 2013 |work=Yakyubaka}}</ref> When asked why he decided to come to Japan, he said "The last few years I had to start the season from the minors and wait for a players at the MLB level to have a bad streak or get injured. As a minor league, you do a lot of traveling and sometimes you need to move a lot. In Japan I can stay in one place and focus on baseball. And I also get to experience a new culture. Actually, there were a number of NPB clubs that contacted me during the season last year. That helped my family prepare for this year. And when I got an offer from Hiroshima, I jumped on it. My wife supports this decision."<ref>{{cite news |date=February 15, 2011 |title=Hiroshima Carp Spring Camp News and Notes: February 15, 2011 |url=http://yakyubaka.com/2011/02/15/hiroshima-carp-spring-camp-news-and-notes-february-15-2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219104829/http://yakyubaka.com/2011/02/15/hiroshima-carp-spring-camp-news-and-notes-february-15-2011/ |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=August 1, 2013 |work=Yakyubaka}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=February 15, 2011 |title=Interview with Bryan Bullington |url=http://www.nikkansports.com/baseball/news/p-bb-tp0-20110215-737245.html |access-date=August 1, 2013 |work=[[Nikkan Sports]]}}</ref> He began his Japanese career 3–0 with a 1.96 ERA and one [[complete game]] in three starts during April, earning him the Nihon Seimei Most Valuable Pitcher in the Central League for the month of April. He went 9–4 with a 2.06 ERA in the first half, earning him a spot in the [[Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star Series|2011 NPB All-Star Series]]. He pitched two innings in Game 3 of the series, allowing two hits, one being a solo home run to [[Takahiro Okada]], and struck out one.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 24, 2011 |title=Pacific League vs. Central League 07/24/2011 Box Score |url=http://bis.npb.or.jp/eng/2011/games/s2011072401104.html |access-date=August 1, 2013 |website=[[Nippon Professional Baseball]]}}</ref> Making 30 starts in his first season with the Carp, Bullington finished the season 13–11 with a 2.42 ERA over 204{{frac|1|3}} innings.<ref name="NPB">{{cite web |title=Bryan Bullington NPB Player Card |url=http://bis.npb.or.jp/eng/players/83185133.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219030650/http://bis.npb.or.jp/eng/players/83185133.html |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=August 3, 2013 |website=[[Nippon Professional Baseball]]}}</ref> His 2.42 ERA was the sixth lowest ERA in the [[Central League]] among eligible pitchers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Central League Leaders |url=http://bis.npb.or.jp/eng/2011/stats/pit_c.html |access-date=August 1, 2013 |website=[[Nippon Professional Baseball]]}}</ref> He set numerous career bests, and threw over 200 innings for the first time in his career, turning in the best season of his career. On his first season in Japan, Bullington said "I'm thinking that I'd like to stay with the Carp. If the team needs me, then I need the Carp. I like it here in Japan; my family does as well."<ref>{{cite web |date=September 17, 2011 |title=Hiroshima Carp:Bullington, Sarfate likely to return in 2012 |url=http://yakyubaka.com/2011/09/17/hiroshima-carp-bullington-sarfate-likely-to-return-in-2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219110603/http://yakyubaka.com/2011/09/17/hiroshima-carp-bullington-sarfate-likely-to-return-in-2012/ |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=August 2, 2013 |work=Yakyubaka}}</ref> Hiroshima re-signed him in the offseason to a one-year contract worth $1,744,300.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 27, 2012 |title=Bullington gets no-decision |url=http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=71172 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219052015/http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=71172 |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=August 2, 2013 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref>

===2012===
[[File:Bryan Bullington on February 13, 2012.jpg|240px|thumb|Bullington during his tenure with the [[Hiroshima Toyo Carp]] in {{Npby|2012}}]]
Bullington broke camp with the club as the number two starter on the team. His first half was up and down, reaching double digit strikeouts on four occasions, but allowing a 5.55 ERA from the middle of May to the All-Star Break. He was 5–9 with a 4.04 ERA entering the All-Star Break. Bullington proved more consistent in the second half though, reeling off 8 consecutive quality starts after the break, and 11 total quality starts. He finished the second half 2–5 with a 2.15 ERA, and in total, finished the 2012 season 7–14 with a 3.23 ERA and 137 strikeouts over 175{{frac|2|3}} innings.<ref name="NPB"  /> The 137 strikeouts were a career best, beating his previous season's total by one. His record was marred by a lack of run support, receiving a no-decision or loss in 13 of his 19 quality starts. On December 11, the Carp announced that they had re-signed Bullington to a two-year deal worth approximately $1.25 million plus incentives per year. The contract included a $500,000 signing bonus.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 11, 2012 |title=Hiroshima signs Bullington to two-year deal, Lewis to one-year deal |url=http://yakyubaka.com/2012/12/11/hiroshima-signs-bullington-to-two-year-deal-lewis-to-one-year-deal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930222344/http://yakyubaka.com/2012/12/11/hiroshima-signs-bullington-to-two-year-deal-lewis-to-one-year-deal/ |archive-date=September 30, 2017 |access-date=August 3, 2013 |work=Yakyubaka}}</ref>

===2013===
Bullington entered camp once again as the number two in the rotation behind [[Kenta Maeda]]. On March 22, the Carp announced Bullington would get the opening day start to give Maeda extra rest after pitching in the [[2013 World Baseball Classic|World Baseball Classic]].<ref>{{cite web |date=March 22, 2013 |title=[3/22/2013] Yomiuri, Chunichi, Yakult, Hiroshima, Hanshin, Yokohama |url=http://yakyubaka.com/2013/03/22/3222013-yomiuri-chunichi-yakult-hiroshima-hanshin-yokohama |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219102146/http://yakyubaka.com/2013/03/22/3222013-yomiuri-chunichi-yakult-hiroshima-hanshin-yokohama/ |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=August 3, 2013 |work=Yakyubaka}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=March 22, 2013 |title=Bullington Named Opening Day Starter |url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/baseball/news/2013/03/22/kiji/K20130322005455170.html |access-date=August 3, 2013 |work=[[Sports Nippon]]}}</ref> On April 29, Bullington made news in the United States for throwing behind [[Hanshin Tigers]] batter [[Ryota Arai]]. As Bullington started his wind-up, while standing in the batter's box, Arai appealed to Bullington for time. The [[Umpire (baseball)|umpire]] granted time as the pitch was being released.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 29, 2013 |title=Bullington Throws Behind Hitter |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_kIqdk1nFE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612054923/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_kIqdk1nFE |archive-date=June 12, 2014 |access-date=August 4, 2013 |work=[[YouTube]] }}</ref> Bullington finished the first half at 4–7 with a 2.70 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP over 17 starts.

Bullington got off to a bad start in the second half, giving up 11 runs in his first two starts. He kept his head above water in August, posting a 3–0 record despite a 4.30 ERA. On August 31, he was removed from his start against the Hanshin Tigers in the second inning after being struck by a pitch in his left knee.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 3, 2013 |title=Bullington struck by batted ball |url=http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=78699 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219050608/http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=78699 |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2013 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref> He was able to make his next start a week later, where he shutout the [[Yokohama DeNA BayStars]] over seven innings. He continued his hot pitching through September, defeating both the [[Yomiuri Giants]] and the Hanshin Tigers in his next two starts as the Carp chased a playoff spot. His victory against the Giants on September 14 was his 30th victory with the Carp, passing [[Nate Minchey]] for most organizational wins by a foreign player.<ref>{{cite news |date=October 7, 2013 |title=Bullington MVP for September |url=http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=79398 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219052012/http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=79398 |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=December 18, 2013 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref>

On September 25, Bullington got the start against the [[Chunichi Dragons]] as the Carp looked to clinch a playoff spot for the first time in 23 years.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 25, 2013 |title=Bullington pitching to clinch |url=http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=79142 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219043928/http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=79142 |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2013 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref> Bullington threw seven innings of shutout ball, allowing only four hits, and former farmhand teammate [[Brad Eldred]] backed him with a two-run shot in the top of the eighth inning to give Bullington the win.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 25, 2013 |title=Carp reach first Climax Series |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/09/25/baseball/japanese-baseball/carp-reach-first-climax-series/ |access-date=December 17, 2013 |work=[[The Japan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 25, 2013 |title=Toyo Carp v. Dragons 9.25.2013 Box Score |url=http://yakyubaka.com/2013/09/25/hiroshima-toyo-carp-vs-chunichi-dragons-september-25-2013/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219050736/http://yakyubaka.com/2013/09/25/hiroshima-toyo-carp-vs-chunichi-dragons-september-25-2013/ |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2013 |work=Yakyubaka}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=September 26, 2013 |title=Carp clinch on Bullington's win |url=http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=79167 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219052134/http://madisoncourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=18&SubSectionID=289&ArticleID=79167 |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2013 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref>

Bullington made 11 starts in the second half, finishing 7–2 with a 4.25 ERA. He went 4–0 with a 1.00 ERA in the month of September, earning him the Nihon Seimei Most Valuable Pitcher for the Central League for the month of September. He became the first foreign player in Carp history and the fourth foreign player in Central League history to win the award multiple times (2).<ref>{{cite web |date=October 4, 2013 |title=NPB: Nihon Seimei MVP Award for September 2013 |url=http://yakyubaka.com/2013/10/04/npb-nihon-seimei-mvp-award-for-september-2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219102351/http://yakyubaka.com/2013/10/04/npb-nihon-seimei-mvp-award-for-september-2013/ |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=December 17, 2013 |work=Yakyubaka}}</ref> He finished the season 11–9 with a 3.23 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and 117 strikeouts over 172{{frac|2|3}} innings.<ref name="NPB"  />

On October 13, Bullington was given the ball to start Game 2 of the first stage of the [[Climax Series]] against the Hanshin Tigers. He threw five innings of one-hit ball, allowing only a leadoff homerun to [[Tsuyoshi Nishioka]] in the bottom of the first inning. Bullington received the winning decision and the Carp advanced to the second stage.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 13, 2013 |title=Toyo Carp v. Tigers 10.13.2013 Box Score |url=http://bis.npb.or.jp/eng/2013/games/s2013101301752.html |access-date=December 17, 2013 |work=[[Nippon Professional Baseball]]}}</ref>

===2014===
Despite concern from Manager [[Kenjiro Nomura (baseball)|Kenjiro Nomura]] over poor performance in the preseason,<ref>{{cite news |date=March 27, 2014 |title=Bullington's spot safe for now |url=http://madisoncourier.com/Content/Social/Social/Article/Bullington-s-spot-safe-or-now/-2/-2/82459 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930175526/https://madisoncourier.com/Content/Social/Social/Article/Bullington-s-spot-safe-or-now/-2/-2/82459 |archive-date=September 30, 2017 |access-date=August 16, 2015 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref> Bullington got his fourth season with the Carp off to a great start. In his first 11 starts, he threw nine [[quality start]]s, posting a 7–4 record, a 2.93 ERA, and a 54/12 K/BB ratio over that span. Things took a considerable turn for the worse after that though, posting an ERA above 6 in both June and August. On August 20, Hiroshima announced that Bullington would be removed from the roster for 10 days of rest after giving up seven earned runs in three innings against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 21, 2014 |title=Carp to rest Bryan Bullington |url=http://www.madisoncourier.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Carp-to-rest-Bryan-Bullington/18/289/85282 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930180218/https://madisoncourier.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Carp-to-rest-Bryan-Bullington/18/289/85282 |archive-date=September 30, 2017 |access-date=August 16, 2015 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref> He made his next start 11 days later on August 31 against the Chunichi Dragons, but was pulled in the fifth inning after complaining of arm stiffness.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 2, 2014 |title=Bullington injures pitching arm |url=http://www.madisoncourier.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Bullington-injures-pitching-arm/18/289/85472 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305135702/http://www.madisoncourier.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Bullington-injures-pitching-arm/18/289/85472 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=August 16, 2015 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref> Bullington was diagnosed the next day with neuritis in his [[ulnar nerve]], also known as inflammation of the funny bone, and was shut down for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 4, 2014 |title=Bullington's injury diagnosed |url=http://www.madisoncourier.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Bullington-s-injury-diagnosed/18/289/85523 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305172025/http://www.madisoncourier.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Bullington-s-injury-diagnosed/18/289/85523 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=August 16, 2015 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref> He finished the season 9–8 with a 4.58 ERA over 131{{frac|2|3}} innings.<ref name="Baseball-Reference" />

Hiroshima chose not to re-sign him in the offseason. Bullington received attention from both the [[Orix Buffaloes]] and the [[Tokyo Yakult Swallows]]. On December 6, Bullington signed a one-year deal with Orix for ¥150 million (roughly US$1.2 million) for the upcoming season.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 6, 2014 |title=Buffaloes sign Blanco, Bullington |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/12/06/baseball/japanese-baseball/buffaloes-sign-blanco-bullington/#.VZhOlEbEalc |access-date=August 16, 2015 |work=[[The Japan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=December 10, 2014 |title=Bullington signs 1-year deal with Buffaloes |url=http://www.madisoncourier.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Bullington-signs-1-year-deal-with-Buffaloes/18/289/87365 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712070716/http://madisoncourier.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Bullington-signs-1-year-deal-with-Buffaloes/18/289/87365 |archive-date=July 12, 2015 |access-date=August 16, 2015 |work=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref>

===2015===
Bullington was taken off of the active roster<ref name="madisoncourier.com">{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2015 |title=Bullington hopes to be back with Buffaloes after a little more rehab |url=http://www.madisoncourier.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Bullington-hopes-to-be-back-with-Buffaloes-after-a-little-more-rehab/18/289/91106 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706035920/http://www.madisoncourier.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Bullington-hopes-to-be-back-with-Buffaloes-after-a-little-more-rehab/18/289/91106 |archive-date=July 6, 2015 |access-date=July 4, 2015 |website=[[Madison Courier]]}}</ref> with shoulder discomfort after leaving the game on May 20, lasting only 2{{frac|1|3}} innings. He finished the season with a 5–3 record and a 3.30 ERA in 14 starts.<ref name="npb.jp">{{Cite web |title=Register: Bullington, Bryan (ORIX Buffaloes) |url=http://npb.jp/bis/eng/players/83185133.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918074720/http://npb.jp/bis/eng/players/83185133.html |archive-date=September 18, 2016 |access-date=July 15, 2016 |website=[[Nippon Professional Baseball]]}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Bryan Bullington}}
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}
{{Baseballstats|mlb=425860|espn=6448|br=b/bullibr01|fangraphs=5066|brm=bullin001bry}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20131219030650/http://bis.npb.or.jp/eng/players/83185133.html NPB statistics]

{{MLB Number One Draft Picks}}
{{2002 College Baseball Consensus All-Americans}}
{{2002 MLB Draft}}
{{Pittsburgh Pirates first-round draft picks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bullington, Bryan}}
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