Bud Norris delivered a strong performance in a no-decision against the Astros on Friday, allowing only two runs on five hits over seven frames.

Norris struck out a season-high seven in the game while walking three. He left in position to earn his fourth victory of the season, but Jose Veras was unable to hold the lead in the ninth inning. He'll get the ball again on Thursday at home against the Angels, where his high-strikeout potential makes him a worthwhile matchup play in most formats.

Bud Norris was pulled after allowing six runs in two-thirds of an inning Wednesday against the A's.

This came after Erik Bedard lasted just one-third of an inning Tuesday, so the Astros bullpen is really feeling it right now. At least Xavier Cedeno was able to strand runners on second and third after replacing Norris, keeping the right-hander's ERA under 5.00. He'll get the Mariners next time out.

Bud Norris yielded two runs over 5 2/3 innings Sunday in a victory over the Rangers.

Norris had the slider working tonight, and he caught a couple of breaks, such as when Justin Maxwell trapped Elvis Andrus' single and managed to get the out call. Another was a break that Norris literally caught: Adrian Beltre scorched a ball up the middle in the sixth with runners on the corners, but Norris snatched the liner for the second out of the inning. The very early 'W' gives Norris a nice head start on the season; he's never won more than one game in April.