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The Cleveland Guardians just improved their pitching depth less than a week before Opening Day gets started. 

Cleveland signed left-handed pitched Daniel Norris to a one-year Minor League deal. He's likely to start the season with the Columbus Clippers with the start of the year so close.

The Guardians signing Norris is likely because Sam Hentges is still working through shoulder inflammation that has kept him out the majority of Spring Training. Hentges was the only left-handed reliever in their bullpen and a relief staff of just righties isn't a great idea.

Tim Herrin has been an intriguing southpaw prospect during March but it's still unclear if some of his success will translate to the Big Leagues. Norris on the other hand has played nine seasons of Major League Baseball and has many experiences to draw from.

Norris has a career ERA of 4.71 with four different teams. He was a member of the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers last season and while he did give up his fair share of runs, he also logged a ton of innings. The veteran armed pitched 58.2 innings last season and even recorded three saves.

Cleveland already has a stacked bullpen so they won't be asking Norris to do too much which could make him an under-the-radar pick-up. 

The American League Central is Going To Be A Three Team Race In 2023

This article first appeared on FanNation Cleveland Baseball Insider and was syndicated with permission.

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