BALTIMORE — The mystery of Daniel Norris’ diminished velocity is a mystery no longer: The Detroit Tigers left-hander is hurt.
Norris, whose fastball has long been clocked around the mid-90s, once again was in the upper-80s and from the third pitch of his second start of the season against the Orioles, was dealing with a bum left groin.
Officially, the Tigers took him out after two-plus innings with left groin tightness. Norris’ next course of action remains to be seen but a stint on the disabled list is an overwhelming possibility.
Asked if he thought this groin issue – which was not previously disclosed – was the reason for his drop in fastball velocity, Norris said yes.