“These are the type of guys you get back for David Price, OK? He’s got a chance to be a good pitcher for them.”
Buck Showalter was one of many who were impressed with Daniel Norris in his Detroit Tigers debut on Sunday afternoon. Just three days ago, Norris was the main piece in the Tigers-Blue Jays trade that sent pending free agent David Price to Toronto. He was able to contribute immediately for a Tigers’ pitching staff that had allowed 22 runs in the first three games of the weekend series in Baltimore.
When asked about joining the Tigers’ rotation, Norris replied, “It’s like the first day of school.” J.D. Martinez made Norris’ first test easier when he belted a three-run homer to give the Tigers an early 3-0 lead. Norris started strong by striking out Manny Machado and Gerardo Parra and never looked back en route to a 6-1 victory. He took a three-hitter into the eight inning before giving way to Tigers’ reliever Bruce Rondon after a Jonathan Schoop single.
Norris’ only big mistake on the day was a 423-foot home run by Chris Davis in the fourth inning. He also worked out of a jam in the second inning by making a diving catch on a J.J. Hardy bunt with runners on first and second and nobody out before inducing a double play to end the frame.
On the day, Norris threw 84 pitches over 7 1/3 innings, while allowing just one run. He also racked up five strike outs to complement four hits and a walk. The lone walk was encouraging because Norris has struggled with command in his young career and has been working on a more consistent delivery.
Norris’ next start is against the Boston Red Sox at 7:08 pm on Friday night, when he will make his debut at Comerica Park. He will hope to earn more respect from Tigers’ fans just as he did today with longtime Tiger Justin Verlander.
.@DanielNorris18 had a great first outing of many for the #Tigers Way to announce your presence with authority. #bulldurhamquote
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) August 2, 2015
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