The Detroit Tigers have recalled left-handed pitcher Daniel Norris from Triple-A Toledo, the team announced. In a corresponding move to make room on the 25-man roster for Norris, the Tigers have optioned outfielder Tyler Collins to the Mud Hens.
Detroit designated Collins due to the fact that he has logged just two hits in 20 at-bats this season at the big league level. The 25-year-old flipped off the fans at Comerica Park a few weeks ago, which probably did not help his cause to stay in the majors.
Initially, Norris will pitch out of the bullpen for the Tigers, according to Chris Iott of MLive. Before getting injured, Norris was expected to win the fifth spot in the rotation.
The 23-year-old was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 3, retroactive to March 25, with non-displaced fractures in his spinous process. He left a spring game against the Toronto Blue Jays with lower back tightness after making it just 0.1 innings.
Collins will probably find his way back into the majors at some point if Anthony Gose continues to slump, but for now, it is Gose and Andrew Romine in center field until Cameron Maybin comes off his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Toledo due to a left wrist fracture.
The Tigers could eventually slot Norris into the fourth spot in the rotation if Mike Pelfrey continues to struggle. Pelfrey has started the season 0-4 with a 6.23 ERA across 30.1 innings pitched. Detroit could also call up left-handed pitcher Matt Boyd.
Norris has an 8.44 ERA in 21.1 innings (six starts) for High-A Lakeland and Triple-A Toledo. With the Mud Hens, Norris is 0-3 with a 9.98 ERA in four starts. During those 15.1 innings in Toledo, the lefty struck out 19 batters but walked 10. Boyd, meanwhile, owns a 1.80 ERA across 35.0 innings (six starts) in the minors this season.