Norris put on DL, Morin is recalled
NEW YORK — The Angels recently welcomed Cam Bedrosian back into their bullpen, and they expect to do the same with Huston Street this week. But their hope of debuting a complete bullpen was nixed when Bud Norris’ inflamed right knee flared up after he pitched Sunday.
Norris was put on the 10day disabled list Tuesday and the Angels recalled right-hander Mike Morin from triple-A Salt Lake. Manager Mike Scioscia said he expected Norris to be out only the necessary 10 days.
The knee has bothered Norris for much of the season. Last month in Miami, he had to exit an appearance early because weakness within the joint was preventing him from firing into his delivery. But he expressed confidence he could pitch through it with consistent treatment.
After he relayed his latest feelings Sunday, he underwent an MRI examination, which demonstrated no structural damage, according to Scioscia.
“We wanted to take the chance to take a half-step backwards, let it calm down,” the manager said.
Norris, 32, signed a minor league contract with the Angels in January and became their closer after injuries to the three men who entered training camp competing for the spot. In 34 games, Norris has 42 strikeouts, 13 walks, a 2.43 earned-run average and 11 saves in 13 chances.
Scioscia did not say whom he will next entrust with closing opportunities. Even as Norris garnered nearly all of the club’s chances in recent weeks, Scioscia bristled at suggestions that he had anointed Norris the team’s closer.
Bedrosian and fellow right-hander Blake Parker are two plausible candidates.
Change of plans for Trout
Scioscia had said Mike Trout would travel with the team to New York and Boston to rehabilitate his torn thumb ligament while observed by the team’s training staff.
Trout did travel east on the team charter, but is not with the team. He’s spending the week working out in his hometown of Millville, N.J.
On Tuesday he took his first swings since the injury. When the team travels to Boston on Thursday, he is scheduled to head to Orange County and begin hitting off a tee. Trout developed the plan in tandem with two club training staffers.
“We had a couple things outlined about what he might do,” Scioscia said. “They all felt he’d get more done going back to the West Coast for the weekend, as opposed to Boston, where there’s no cage and not a lot that he’s going to be able to get out of there.”
Short hops
Right-hander Matt Shoemaker played catch for the first time since he exited early from a start last Wednesday because of a forearm strain. He said the strain is feeling better. His hope is to start Sunday in Boston, the next time his rotation spot comes up. … No decision has been announced about Doug Fister. The right-hander can opt out of his contract if he’s not called up Wednesday. Fister has been pitching for Salt Lake.