2016 Dodgers review: Bud Norris

Bud Norris filled a role in 2016 when the Dodgers needed it, then got hurt and saw his performance go south.

What went right

With injuries mounting and minor league options at various stages of readiness, the Dodgers were desperate for a starting pitcher at the end of June. They acquired Norris, minor league outfielder Dian Toscano, and $1 million from the Braves on June 30 in exchange for minor league relief pitchers Caleb Dirks and Phil Pfeifer.

He paid immediate dividends with a pair of scoreless starts in July, and though his ERA was 4.34 in his first month with the Dodgers he had 32 strikeouts in 29 innings against only six walks.

Norris lasted at least five innings in each of his first five starts with the Dodgers, which may not sound like a huge hurdle to clear but he led the staff in five-inning starts in July, a month that saw the club average just 5.04 innings per start.

What went wrong

Things began to unravel for Norris when he exited his July 31 start after just one batter, with back tightness.

After missing nearly three weeks on the disabled list, Norris was ineffective after his return, allowing 18 runs (17 earned) on 21 hits in 13⅔ innings (an 11.20 ERA), with more walks (13) than strikeouts (10) the rest of the way.

Norris started three games in August but fell down the depth chart and was passed over for starts on a couple occasions, and limited to just two mop-up relief appearances in September.

The Dodgers designated Norris for assignment on Sept. 20, then released him on Sept. 30.

2016 particulars

Age: 31

Stats: 6.54 ERA, 5.16 FIP in 13 games, 9 starts, 42 K, 21 BB in 42⅔ IP; -0.9 rWAR, 0.0 fWAR

Salary: $2.5 million, of which the Dodgers were responsible for roughly $284,000.

Game of the year

In his debut with the Dodgers, Norris was at his best with six scoreless innings to beat the Rockies on July 1, to go with eight strikeouts while allowing just two hits and one walk in the win.

Roster status

Norris is a free agent.