Kenta Maeda
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 World Baseball Classic. 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 granted time as the pitch was being released. Bullington finished the first half at 4–7 with a 2.70 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP over 17 starts.