After the news broke across the globe that three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2014 MVP Clayton Kershaw was headed to the disabled list, the Los Angeles Dodgers front office quickly moved to replenish their suddenly depleted pitching staff by acquiring right-hander Bud Norris from the Atlanta Braves.
"I found out around 2pm on Thursday," Norris said of the trade. "The first thing that went through my head was 'My Dad's not gonna be happy. I've grown up in the bay area, so it's been hard for him to watch what the Dodgers have done."
Norris struggled in his first four starts of the season and carried an 8.75 ERA into the Braves bullpen where he was relegated for the entire month of May before an illness allowed him an opening to get back into the starting rotation on June 4th.
Ironically, Norris' first start in over a month was against the Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium, and the right-hander allowed one-run on three hits in five strong innings, cementing his place back in the Braves rotation.
"I worked hard to get back into the rotation," Norris said of that fateful day. "I knew there were some mechanical things I needed to do to get better."
Less than a month later, Norris finds himself back on the very mound he was able to revitalize his season and possibly his career when he makes the start for the Dodgers on Friday night against the Colorado Rockies.
"This is a game I love. It's exciting for me to come back home and play on the west coast and be in a pennant race again," Norris said of pitching for the Dodgers. "I just want to do my part to help this team out, get into the postseason and make a run at it."
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Get to know the Dodgers' newest pitcher as we share five fun facts about the eight-year MLB veteran.
1. He's a California Kid
Norris grew up in Novato, California and went to college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
2. Friendly Fien
Norris was college roommates with Dodgers relief pitcher Casey Fien.
"Casey and I were college roommates. We were even in spring training one year together," Norris said. "We've really tried to help each other throughout our careers. It's nice to have a best friend like that."
3. Baltimore Bud
Norris is expected to make his second start for the Dodgers on Wednesday, July 6, against his former team the Baltimore Orioles. Norris had the best season of his career in 2014 with Baltimore going 15-8 with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.216 WHIP.
4. What's up, Doc?
Norris pitched for the San Diego Padres in 2015 when current Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was the bench coach. Roberts said he knows Norris well and what he can do and is excited to have him back on his team.
5. Change the Changeup
After he became relegated to the bullpen with the Braves, Norris removed the changeup from his five-pitch repertoire. Since the move, he is 4-1 with a 2.15 ERA in his last five starts.
