WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. • The Cardinals could have eight relievers, to go with five starters, when their season starts March 29. And newcomer Bud Norris will be among the former group, manager Mike Matheny said before the Cardinals’ 4-2 exhibition loss to the Houston Astros on Friday night.
Former Astro Norris, 33, was signed to provide coverage in the rotation or to pitch in the bullpen, but Matheny said Norris would be concentrating on “shorter stints.” As an example, several hours later Norris pitched a perfect eighth against Houston.
“Inevitably, it was going to be moving in that direction unless something happened where we truly felt his best opportunity would be as a starter,” Matheny said.