Healthy Daniel Norris Could Give Detroit Tigers' Rotation Boost It Needs

Although the Detroit Tigers finished in last place in the AL Central last season, many fans were left feeling quite optimistic about the future. One of the reasons for that was the presence of young, up-and-coming stars such as Daniel Norris.

The 23-year-old Norris, who was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays as the main piece in the David Price deal last summer, went 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP in eight starts with the Tigers last season. In October, Norris revealed the frightening news that he had been batting thyroid cancer. He later underwent surgery and revealed the terrific news that he was free of cancer.

Many had high hopes for Norris entering the season, but another obstacle popped up in March. Norris had a bit of a rough spring training for the Tigers, allowing a 9.95 ERA and a 2.53 WHIP in 6.1 innings of work, and began the season on the DL with non-displaced fractures in his back.

Norris has now been rehabbing in the minor leagues, however, and he had a very strong start for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens earlier this week. In six innings of work, Norris allowed just four hits, one walk, one earned run and struck out five.

Overall this year, the Tigers’ rotation has been far from great. Sure, Jordan Zimmermann is off to an excellent start, going 4-0 with an 0.35 ERA in his first four outings, and Justin Verlander has also turned in three quality starts in four outings. That said, Detroit’s starting staff has posted a 4.50 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP overall, ranking 11th and 14th in the American League, respectively.

The Tigers are still going to need better performances from Mike Pelfrey and Anibal Sanchez, but getting Norris back will be a major help. The talented young southpaw could very well give the rotation the spark it needs.

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