Daniel Norris placed on 10-day disabled list

Detroit Tigers’ manager, Brad Ausmus, referenced a minor groin issue for Daniel Norris after another dismal performance from the young left-hander on Wednesday night. Today, the Tigers have announced that Norris will go on the 10-day disabled list for the injury. Reliever Blaine Hardy has been recalled from the Toledo Mud Hens in his place.

Starting pitcher Matt Boyd may have seemed the more likely replacement, but with four games left until the All-Star break, another starter won’t need to be added to the 25 man roster until Tuesday, July 18th against the Kansas City Royals. Instead, the addition of Hardy will give Ausmus a little more flexibility out of his bullpen in matching up against the Cleveland Indians in a three game series starting on Friday.

The trip to the disabled list couldn’t really be better timed for Norris. After a long series of tough outings in a row, and obvious frustration on his part, he’ll be able to get healthy over the next 10 days and get a few starts at Triple-A Toledo before returning to the Tigers. A move to Toledo already seemed likely to allow Norris time to sort out some of the command issues plaguing him this season. Instead, a rehab assignment will allow the Tigers to easily avoid burning Norris’ final option.