It looks like the best days of Bud Norris are well behind us as the right-hander has posted two horrific starts and another so-so one here in the early going in 2015.
Norris has pitched a combined 10.1 innings and has given up 20 runs (all earned) on 18 hits and six walks in his three starts. Nothing about those stats warrants Norris to receive any more chances to stay in the rotation, especially with Kevin Gausman waiting in the wings.
There has always been speculation that Norris would be better suited in the bullpen, but Bud quieted those rumblings last year, going 15-8 with a 3.65 ERA. Now though, after giving up 8, 3, and 9 earned runs in his first three starts, he’s sure to hear them again. He had an easy time going through the Blue Jays’ first three hitters in the first inning in his latest outing, but then he completely imploded again. He seems to lose confidence quickly and has left a lot of balls in the middle of the plate.
Gausman has had his struggles in the bullpen and it looks as though he’s pressing his fastball too much. The young pitcher has shown more finesse in his pitching arsenal when he has been given the chance to start games.
Showalter may not make the move just yet with Norris’ track history with the team but his chances are definitely running out. It’s only a matter of time before they give Gausman a chance in the rotation and Norris is certainly the leader in the clubhouse when it comes to being the guy who gives up his spot.
The Orioles are also in a tight spot with Jason Garcia, who gave up two runs in his latest appearance against the Blue Jays. Garcia doesn’t look to be major league-ready yet and doesn’t have the trust of Showalter in close games.
The lack of confidence in the reliever is wasting a spot in the bullpen and the Orioles might have to give up on their project. The front office could try and work out a deal with the Red Sox, but Boston could be eager to get him back and stash Garcia in the minors.
However, Baltimore can try and wait it out to see if Garcia can turn things around. He has an impressive fastball but looks wild in most appearances and looks to lose confidence quickly. Garcia will surely have a few more chances out of the bullpen but he’ll have to turn things around quickly or Baltimore may have no choice but to give him back to Boston. With so many of the starters turning in short outings regularly, Garcia’s presence in the bullpen is really hamstringing the team. His spot may be much better served given to someone like T.J. McFarland or Steve Johnson.
The Orioles are having a few pitching dilemmas in the early part of the season but it’s better for the team to have them now then later on. Things might look a lot better when Gausman gets moved to the rotation, Norris settles down or gets sent to the bullpen, and Garcia either turns things around or the Orioles move on.
