Surviving injuries to multiple pitchers in the back of their starting rotation, the Los Angeles Dodgers now face the challenge of surviving without Clayton Kershaw, who was diagnosed with a mild disc herniation. Aside from losing their ace, it left the Dodgers without a starter for Friday’s game.
That void didn’t last long as the front office quickly moved to complete a five-player trade with the Atlanta Braves. Chief among the Dodgers’ return is Bud Norris, who starts the series opener against the Colorado Rockies.
As a part of the deal the Dodgers also acquired Cuban outfielder Dian Toscano, a player to be named later and cash considerations. Los Angeles sent Minor League pitchers Caleb Dirks and Phillip Pfeifer to the Braves.
In joining the Dodgers, Norris also reunites with manager Dave Roberts, as the pair previously spent time together with the San Diego Padres.
Roberts spoke highly of Norris, praising the right-hander for his ability to succeeded against left- and right-handed batters, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“His mound presence, he’s a competitor, he has a plus fastball, works at top of zone,” Roberts said after the Dodgers’ 8-1 win over the Brewers. “He has a curveball, change, cut fastball. A guy who gets righties and lefties, he’s been around, he’s won, always had good stuff. I know he’s excited to be in Los Angeles. His last three, four, five turns have been as good as anyone in baseball. Nice job by our guys.”
Norris went 4-1 with a 2.15 ERA over his last five starts with the Braves. On the season, he’s 3-7 with a 4.22 ERA, 3.85 FIP and 1.37 WHIP. Norris struggled throughout April which led to his removal from the Atlanta starting rotation.
He last started on Sunday, throwing seven shutout innings with eight strikeouts against the New York Mets.
