Michael Lorenzen hasn’t appeared in a game for the Los Angeles Angels since July 1 and has endured a lengthy stay on the injured list due to a right shoulder strain. He was given the green light to begin a rehab assignment last week that sheds light on his return to the big club.
Prior to his injury, Lorenzen was 6-6 with a 4.94 ERA and a 4.47 FIP in 13 starts. His inability to limit the free pass or miss bats led to many of his problems and inability to go deep in games.
The 30-year-old was placed on the I.L. on July 15 and the Angels ensured there was no structural damage to his shoulder, which was good news for manager Phil Nevin and the depth of his starting staff, via MLB.com:
Lorenzen threw a three-inning simulated game at Angel Stadium on Aug. 16 and made a rehab start with Triple-A Salt Lake on Aug. 21, allowing two runs over three innings. He’s expected to make one more rehab start before being reinstated. Lorenzen was moved to the 60-day injured list on Aug. 6, which doesn’t affect his timeline to return. Lorenzen is eligible to be reinstated on Sept. 2.
Lorenzen building himself back up for a starting role will give the bullpen some added relief as they try to piece it all together down the stretch and into the offseason.
His return to the diamond is important for the soon-to-be free agent who will likely be trying to show some positive building blocks for his next offseason deal.
Other Angels injury news
Head athletic trainer Mike Frostad said that Anthony Rendon was cleared to begin baseball activities earlier this month and should have a normal offseason as the team heads into the 2023 season.
Archie Bradley has been on the injured list since June 26 after he fractured his elbow during the brawl with the Seattle Mariners, and Frostad hinted at a chance he doesn’t make it back before the season’s end.
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