Neither manager Brad Ausmus, general manager Al Avila nor players would comment specifically on Rondon's departure, but catcher James McCann said it could have an impact on the team's focus over the final two weeks of the season -- beginning with Tuesday's performances.
"Obviously, when an organization does something like they did with Bruce, it sends a message," McCann said. "A normal person might say it's only a message to that certain individual, but it's a message to the whole clubhouse.
"We're not here to mess around. We're going out to win."
And the Tigers did Tuesday night, thanks largely to Norris, who made his second appearance since willing himself back from an oblique strain -- an injury which Detroit had feared might sideline him for the rest of the season.