Bud Norris: "I was looking way too much into distractions this year"

Bud Norris, designated for assignment by the Orioles this afternoon, said he knew that his days with the club were numbered and most likely would end at the non-waiver deadline. Not that it was any easier for him upon receiving confirmation.

"Part of me said it was probably coming and the other part was hoping not," Norris said today in a phone interview.

"I was looking way too much into distractions this year, and they were eating at me," said Norris, a pending free agent. "It's probably best for me right now and best for the team. The 2014 season was a magic ride and now they're trying ot get back to the postseason and do it again. I wish my teammates the best."

Norris was a big part of that magical ride last season, winning a career-high 15 games and Game 3 of the American League Division Series. He never regained his effectiveness, going back to the early days of spring training, and later went on the disabled list with bronchitis, which zapped his strength and caused him to lose a significant amount of weight.

"I got real sick," said Norris, who was 2-9 with a 7.06 ERA in 18 games this season, including 11 starts. "I tried to battle back. I came back from the DL and made some good starts and some shaky ones. I got demoted to the 'pen, and that's not the best place to try to find yourself."

Kevin Gausman has replaced Norris in the rotation and figures to remain there.

"It was always six starters for five spots," Norris said. "Gausman is a good pitcher and deserves to be here every day.

"I was looking too much on the business side and I never got back to being me. It's a hard pill to swallow. It's something in my career that I'll learn from, but I wish my teammates the best of luck in the months coming forward."

The Orioles will continue their attempts to trade Norris. In the meantime, he's not sure what he'll do besides go home and wait for a call.

"I think Dan (Duquette) has seven-to-10 days to trade or release me, and we'll see what happens," Norris said. "I know the deadline is today. I just need to take a couple days to regroup with my family and see what happens, if I'm picked up. I know what I'm capable of doing."

Norris would prefer that the attention shift away from him.

"There are a lot of good players in the locker room and that's where the focus should go," he said. "It doesn't always work that way."

Duquette just sent the following text regarding new outfielder Gerardo Parra:

"Parra is a solid professional hitter and fielder and should be a solid addition to the Orioles."