Gausman vs. Norris today in Los Angeles

The same Bud Norris who lost nine of 11 decisions and posted a 7.06 ERA with the Orioles in 2015 is facing them today after back-to-back scoreless appearances with two teams.

The same Bud Norris who settled for a $2.5 million contract with the Braves after making $8.8 million in his final season before free agency.

The Orioles may not recognize him.

Norris hasn't allowed a run in his last two starts, walking one batter and striking out 16 over 13 innings. He surrendered only two hits in six scoreless innings in his Dodgers debut after the June 30 trade.

Right-handers are hitting .230 against Norris. Last year, they batted .299.

Norris was 1-4 with an 8.74 ERA in five April starts, 0-2 with a 2.08 ERA in 11 May relief appearances and 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA in six June games (five starts). The batting average against him has dropped from .340 in April to .228 in May and .194 in June.

In his only career start against the Orioles, Norris allowed three runs and nine hits over seven innings and struck out seven batters. The current group is 13-for-39 against him. J.J. Hardy is 4-for-8 with a double. Mark Trumbo is 2-for-11.

The Orioles apparently had some interest in bringing back Norris before the Dodgers acquired him. It may have been nothing more than a phone call to check on Atlanta's asking price.

I think his return would have brought varied reactions within an organization that grew frustrated by his struggles in 2015 and reaction to the bullpen move before his release on Aug. 8. But any starter with a pulse should be under consideration.

Kevin Gausman is searching for his second win in seven decisions, his ERA now at 3.97 in 14 starts. He couldn't hold a 2-1 lead in his last outing in Seattle, with Kyle Seager hitting a two-run homer in the sixth inning.

Right-handers are batting .295 against Gausman and left-handers are hitting .229. He's 1-1 with a 2.79 ERA in six home starts and 0-5 with a 5.02 ERA in eight road starts.

Gausman has faced two Dodgers in his career. Howie Kendrick and Will Venable are each 0-for-2 with a walk.