The Oakland Athletics kept on rolling yesterday in a win over the Toronto Blue Jays. However, they did so without Derek Norris. Fortunately, they did not need him. Scott Vogt started at catcher and Josh Donaldson slid into the back-up role, but was not called upon. Norris is battling back spasms.
With Derek Norris (back spasms) on the shelf at least for today, Josh Donaldson becomes A's backup catcher. #Athletics
— John Hickey (@JHickey3) August 11, 2013
Norris will be evaluated by the team today before a decision is made on whether he will have to miss anymore time.
Norris has essentially split time with John Jaso, but Jaso has been used in more of a utility role this season. Norris has exclusively at catcher. He has performed well behind the plate and decently at the plate. Norris was not drafted with a plan for huge offensive numbers, but he is holding his own.
In 80 games this season, Norris is hitting .230/.333/.394. The on-base percentage without much of a batting average invokes memories of Moneyball days in Oakland, but this team has been able to win in a variety of ways. Getting on base has always been important, but they are simply looking for anyway to score runs. Norris helps there.
Norris is in his second Major League season. He has improved greatly over his rookie year in which he hit .201/.276/.349. The Athletics are relatively deep at catcher thanks to Norris, so he not only provides a good weapon behind the plate, but he gives the team flexibility with Jaso and Donaldson.
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Original Story:
http://www.mlbinjurynews.com/2013/08/...
Original Story:
http://www.mlbinjurynews.com/2013/08/...
