DETROIT — James McCann has a simple explanation on he handles the responsibility of catching a new pitcher.
“On the fly,” The Detroit Tigers rookie admits.
He’s had to do that twice in the span of four days, thanks to the acquisition of rookie left-handers Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd from Toronto.
McCann proved to be a quick study with the duo. Norris tossed 7 1/3 stellar innings at Baltimore on Sunday in his Tigers debut, while Boyd notched his first major-league win with an impressive seven-inning stint against division-leading Kansas City on Wednesday.
“You’re trying to find what their strengths are, what their go-to pitches are and then you just kind of hang with them throughout the game and see how the stuff is coming out and how they’re attacking hitters,” McCann said. “We got on the same page pretty quickly, both of them. They trusted our gameplan and we were able to execute it very well.”
Provided that he’s in the lineup, McCann will look for another well-coordinated effort between him and Norris on Friday. The 22-year-old will make his home debut against Boston in the opener of a three-game series.
McCann made a strong impression on Boyd, who felt as if he was taking signs from a 10-year veteran.
“He kept me in a groove,” Boyd said. “He kept me where I needed to be.”
Boyd received two standing ovations in his first start at Comerica Park, prompting him to say to Norris that he felt like they had found a home. Having a well-prepared young catcher to work with them has made the transition even more seamless.
“We’re so grateful to be here,” Boyd said. “Just like that warm welcome (Wednesday), it was awesome. I truly feel like we’re home and this is where we’re supposed to be.”