DENVER, CO - AUGUST 14: Relief pitcher Bud Norris #20 of the San Diego Padres delivers to home plate during the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 14, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Padres defeated the Rockies 9-5. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Since joining the San Diego Padres last week, Bud Norris has returned to prime form, creating a harmony between both his and the team's needs.
Norris joined the Padres on Aug. 11, immediately helping out the team by throwing a scoreless inning of relief with two strikeouts later that night.
In the three outings he's had since his Padres debut, Norris has yet to surrender an earned run, delivering the elite level of relief he became known for prior to unraveling earlier this season while with the Orioles.
"Every single time out, he's looked like a guy who could help any club," interim manager Pat Murphy said of Norris. "He looks like he's got plus-stuff, and he has the temperament for any role we put him in. I think it's a sneaky-great pickup. It's been a nice lift."
Norris, who was born in Greenbrae, Calif., in the Bay Area, has been delighted to return to the state in which he was raised.
"I needed a fresh start," the 30-year-old right-hander said. " … Coming back to the West Coast to play has meant a lot for me. I am just trying to get back to my bearings, go out there and pitch and enjoy it."
Now in his seventh year in the big leagues, Norris is grateful for the opportunity to continue to play baseball after being released by the Orioles two weeks ago.
"I think this was the perfect fit," Norris said. "I am really glad [the Padres] gave me the opportunity to ... come out and pitch."
(h/t MLB.com)
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