Blue Jays release Bud Norris from minor league deal

Bud Norris made only three appearances this spring with the Blue Jays and has now been released by the club.

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, the Blue Jays have released relief pitcher Bud Norris from his minor league deal. Norris had been rehabbing in Florida after experiencing some arm discomfort late in spring training.

Norris’ contract, which was agreed to at the end of February, was reportedly for $3 million. His deal also reportedly included a host of incentives that could’ve boosted its total value. He was, of course, expected to serve as one of the team’s primary setup men this season.

Norris, 34, has been in the majors since 2009 and has appeared in games for the Astros, Orioles, Braves, Dodgers, Angels, and Padres.

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Last season, he pitched to an ERA of 3.59 and notched 28 saves as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, striking out 67 and walking just 21.

It was reported Monday by Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com that Norris had been hitting 90-91 mph on the radar gun in Florida, and that the Blue Jays ideally wanted his velocity to approach the 95 mph mark.

According to Chisholm, Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said “with a lukewarm response” that “he threw the other day, he was OK”.

Now, the team will likely rely on righties Joe Biagini, Ryan Tepera and Daniel Hudson to eat up the bulk of the late innings, while Ken Giles serves as the club’s primary closer. Norris was brought in to serve as yet another solid bullpen arm that could’ve given the team’s relief team a little more stability. Unfortunately, their experiment has failed.

As of this writing, the team has yet to officially announce the release. With the recent plethora of roster moves made, it’s likely the move won’t be announced until Wednesday or Thursday. More to come.