Padres sign former Orioles pitcher Bud Norris for relief role

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 12: Bud Norris #25 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Washington Nationals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 12, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Nationals won 3-2. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The San Diego Padres have made an addition to their bullpen.

The team has signed right-handed reliever Bud Norris, who was released by the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, to a contract for the rest of the season.

"Obviously, it was a difficult year in Baltimore," general manager A.J. Preller said of the Padres' new addition. "It was a chance to bring him in here in maybe a little different role. He's a talent. He's performed and done well on good teams. We wanted to bring him in here and see what he does over the next several weeks. We're intrigued in a shorter role, to see how his stuff plays up for the rest of the year."

Although Norris had a solid 2014 season as a starter for the Orioles, posting a 15-8 record with a 3.65 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 165 1/3 innings, he struggled this season, lugging a 2-9 record with a 7.09 ERA.

"I had an amazing run with Baltimore last year but got sick and battled some things. But honestly, to get another opportunity to play this game that I love here in San Diego, on the West Coast, near my family -- it's truly a blessing in disguise," said Norris. "I'm just excited to be here, want to do my part and help these guys. Anything can happen in the last two months."

Interim manager Pat Murphy says he plans to use the 30-year-old Cal Poly San Luis Obispo alum in one-inning middle-relief stints to start.

"I think in the future, he could play a significant role depending on how he does," Murphy said. "We know what he's done in the game."

Norris made his first appearance for the Padres on Tuesday, notching two strikeouts in a perfect inning of relief.

(h/t San Diego Union-Tribune)