Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Bud Norris will likely be activated from the 15-day disabled list and start Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Norris was placed on the DL on Aug. 6, retroactive to Aug. 1.
He faced two batters before being removed in his July 31 start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The right-hander slipped on a pick-off throw to first base, which caused back tightness. The injury was later called a mild back strain.
Norris made a rehab start for High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday, allowing one run and collecting four strikeouts over 5.2 innings of work.
His expected return comes at an ideal time considering the rotation remains a revolving door. Brandon McCarthy landed on the DL with right hip stiffness, and Brett Anderson’s 2016 debut lasted just one inning because of a left wrist sprain.
What’s more, Rich Hill’s debut with the Dodgers was delayed a third time as the club continues to err on the side of caution. The Dodgers acquired Norris in a five-player trade with the Atlanta Braves after losing Clayton Kershaw to injury.
Norris is 3-2 with a 4.34 ERA, 4.10 FIP and 1.21 WHIP in seven games (six starts) since the trade. Prior to the abridged start against the Diamondbacks, Norris threw 6.1 scoreless innings on July 26. He’s recorded at least five strikeouts in five of his six starts with the Dodgers.
