Orioles change plans; Bud Norris to start Game 3, not Miguel Gonzalez
Bud Norris (l.), not Miguel Gonzalez, will start ALDS Game 3 for the Orioles. (USATSI)The Orioles have changed their rotation for the ALDS. Bud Norris will start Game 3 against the Tigers on Sunday instead of previously scheduled starter Miguel Gonzalez, the team announced. It's unclear why the change was made at this time.
Norris, 29, went 15-8 with a 3.65 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 2.67 K/BB ratio in 165 1/3 innings during the regular season. He also led the league with 14 hit batsmen. Norris finished the year very strong, allowing only seven runs in five September starts (2.08 ERA).
Game 3 will be Norris' first career postseason appearance. He joined the Orioles at the trade deadline last year after starting his career with the Astros during their lean years. Norris faced the Tigers twice this year and wasn't particularly good either time (five runs in five innings and four runs in 7 2/3 innings).
Gonzalez, 30, went 10-9 with a 3.23 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 2.18 K/BB ratio in 159 innings this season. He had a 2.09 ERA in his final 13 starts but got hammered by Detroit in his only start against them (seven runs in 3 1/3 innings). Gonzalez allowed one run in seven innings in his only career postseason start back in 2012.
Norris and Orioles manager Buck Showalter are scheduled to meet with the media later on Saturday, at which point the rotation change will likely be explained. If Gonzalez has any sort of injury, the club might have to scramble for a Game 4 starter, if necessary.
The Orioles lead the Tigers two games to none in the ALDS. Saturday is a travel day and the series will continue Sunday at Comerica Park in Detroit.
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