Dodgers Report: Bud Norris’ bad back could create a spot start for rookie Jose De Leon

An examination of Bud Norris revealed a strain in his back, which could open the door for yet another rookie pitcher to debut with the Dodgers this season. With Norris still tentatively slated to pitch Saturday against the Boston Red Sox, top prospect Jose De Leon is also scheduled to throw the same day with triple-A Oklahoma City.

The Dodgers termed Norris’ injury, which forced him out of his last start after facing two batters, as “mild.” Manager Dave Roberts would not commit to a pitcher for Saturday. But De Leon looms as a logical replacement.

“We haven’t made a decision on Bud this weekend,” Roberts said before Thursday’s series finale against the Rockies.

The Dodgers have already set a National League record with 25 players on the disabled list this season. The Red Sox set the record with 27 in 2012. Norris could pull the Dodgers that much closer to history. Roberts framed Norris’ diagnosis as a positive development.

“It was actually a good sign for us,” Roberts said.

A day after testing the blister on his left middle finger with a bullpen session, Rich Hill played catch Thursday without incident. Roberts hoped Hill could start Sunday against his former teammates from Boston. Brandon McCarthy could be pushed back to Monday.

That leaves Saturday as a possible landing spot for De Leon, a right-hander who will turn 24 this weekend. De Leon has a 3.83 earned-run average in 11 starts for Oklahoma City. He has struck out 11.5 batters per nine innings, with a 3.67 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

“Great kid,” Roberts said. “Great worker. Really worked to get himself on the map, to be a prospect, and to be a guy. Getting stronger. As I hear, it’s been a pretty good season for him.”

Good enough to start Saturday?

“That, I don’t know,” Roberts said. “He’s got a bright future ahead of him.”

Short hops

The Dodgers optioned Brock Stewart, who gave up nine runs in Wednesday’s blowout, back to Oklahoma City. The team added reliever Grant Dayton to the roster . . . Julio Urias will need a few days to rest after throwing three innings in relief on Wednesday, Roberts said.

andy.mccullough@latimes.com

Twitter: @McCulloughTimes