Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
It looks as though we now know who will take Marcus Stroman‘s spot in the rotation on Thursday. There were many options available to the Blue Jays. Todd Redmond could have gone. Aaron Sanchez or Kendall Graveman would have been interesting. But, the Blue Jays will go with yet another name:
Daniel Norris will make his first Major League start! The first question that comes to mind is: ‘Is he able to start after being in the bullpen after his call up? Has it been too long since he started a game? But, that question is easily answered:
So, the Blue Jays will piece together a start using their bullpen. So, it is very likely that the above names mentioned will get into the game anyway, depending on how well Norris’ rotation audition goes. Norris will face the Seattle Mariners in the final game of that series. It is a 4:07 pm ET start.
This is an interesting decision. One could argue, the Blue Jays want to give him a bit of a spotlight for one of many reasons. Maybe they want to dangle their talent. Maybe they want to test his big league starting mettle. Whatever the reason, fans should be excited by this glimpse into Norris. After just 3.1 innings from the pen, it is time to witness Norris in his natural environment. As a starter, the 21 year old has had a break out season, if any one has. Over 3 levels of the Jays’ system, Norris has compiled a 12-2 record with a 2.53 ERA. He’s the proud owner of a 1.115 WHIP and 11.8K/9. He’s collected 163 strike outs in 124.2 innings pitched. Time to see if that plays at the highest level.
The Blue Jays are altering their rotation for the final weekend of the season. They’re setting up for Drew Hutchison on Friday, J.A. Happ on Saturday and R.A. Dickey to start on Sunday to close out the season.