Detroit Tigers: Daniel Norris placed on 10-day DL with groin injury
By Brad Faber
After posting unsightly numbers throughout his first 16 starts of 2017, the Detroit Tigers’ Daniel Norris has now been placed on the 10-day DL with a groin injury.
Going into the 2017 season, Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Daniel Norris looked as though he might be primed for a breakout season. During the 2016 campaign, Norris battled injuries and spent time on the disabled list. However, he finished the season on a high note, posting a 2.73 ERA in the month of September.
Overall, through 14 games (13 starts), the left-hander went 4-2 with a 3.38 ERA (124 ERA+) and a 1.40 WHIP during the 2016 campaign. Unfortunately for the Tigers, the 2017 season has been a struggle for Norris.
On Wednesday night, Norris made his 16th start of the season. He allowed seven hits and five earned runs over just four innings of work against the San Francisco Giants. He is now 4-7 with a 5.29 ERA (83 ERA+) and a 1.67 WHIP on the season.
On Thursday morning, the Tigers announced that Norris had been placed on the 10-day DL with a groin injury. It was also announced that left-handed reliever Blaine Hardy had been recalled to take his place on the 25-man roster.
The #Tigers placed LHP Daniel Norris on the 10-day DL today with a left groin strain and recalled LHP Blaine Hardy from Triple-A Toledo.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 6, 2017
Will Norris return to the rotation following the All-Star break?
With Norris now on the DL, the Tigers are currently without a fifth starter. The lack of a No. 5 starter will not be a problem for the time being, given the All-Star break will begin on Monday. However, the Tigers will once again need another arm in the rotation when the second half gets underway.
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Even before Norris was placed on the DL, many were wondering if he might benefit from a stint at Triple-A Toledo. Many have also been pointing to the numbers that Matt Boyd has been putting up at Triple-A.
Boyd, who began the season in the Tigers’ rotation, has gone 3-1 with a 2.48 ERA in six starts for Toledo. It should be very interesting to see whether Norris will rejoin the rotation once he is eligible to return from the DL, or if the Tigers might instead elect to give Boyd another opportunity.
Still young, still talented
Through Norris has clearly struggled this season, the 24-year-old southpaw is still very young and extremely talented. He could be an important part of the Tigers’ rotation for years to come.
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With trade rumors now surrounding ace Justin Verlander and Jordan Zimmermann continuing to struggle, it is still certainly possible that Norris could become the Tigers’ No. 2 starter in the near future and form an excellent 1-2 punch with Michael Fulmer.