Source: Pirates believe SP Bud Norris can be very effective as a right handed specialist in the bullpen during post-season

Less than 24 hours before the MLB Trade deadline and the Pirates remain in the hunt for Astros starter Bud Norris (6-9, 3.93 ERA).

Aside from being cheap (makes $3 million) and under team control through the 2015 season, Pirates scouts believe Norris could provide versatility.

Sources say the Pirates feel Norris can be a very effective right handed specialist in the bullpen during the post-season were Norris not be in the rotation for the playoffs.

If the Pirates trade for Norris it will be because they view him as a starter now and in 2014 but it’s unlikely he would be one of the Pirates top-3 starters in the post-season, and of all the Pirates starters, Pittsburgh feels he can transition to the bullpen for a role there in the post-season.

Righties are hitting just .241 against Norris this season.

MLB.com reports the Orioles and Diamondbacks are among the strong contenders for Norris.