Cleveland Guardians Sign 8-Year Veteran Lefty

A former second-round pick, and once a top prospect for the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers will get another shot in a major league organization. Left-hander Daniel Norris has signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Guardians.  

The Guardians have signed LHP Daniel Norris to a Minor League deal. He's reporting straight to Minor League camp.

— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) March 24, 2023

Norris, a nine-year big league veteran, will report to the Guardians' minor league camp, with no plans to be added to the major league roster just yet. 

The 29-year-old was released by the Cincinnati Reds earlier in spring training, after allowing five earned runs in six innings of work with seven walks against only five strikeouts. 

The Guardians were looking for some left-handed depth for their bullpen, as Sam Hentges won't be available to start the season due to shoulder inflammation. 

Norris spent parts of eight seasons in total with the Tigers, with a couple of decent years sandwiching some very rocky seasons. He has a career ERA of 4.71 with a 1.39 WHIP. He split the 2022 season with the Chicago Cubs and the Tigers, posting a 5.22 ERA in all, but finishing strong with Detroit, with 8 scoreless innings to conclude the season, allowing just one hit over that stretch.

He'll try to recapture his mojo to be able to help the Guardians at some point. 

Photo: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports