The Los Angeles Angels are planning for next season and looking to bridge the gap between now and the end of September. Right-hander Michael Lorenzen has been on the injured list since July 7 but could soon be a part of manager Phil Nevin’s starting staff.
Lorenzen last pitched on July 1 against the Houston Astros, but after last just three innings, he left with seven earned runs and only three strikeouts. That marked his second consecutive outing of just three innings and ultimately hit the IL with discomfort in his throwing shoulder.
After progressing through his rehab, Lorenzen is scheduled to be back with the Angels in the coming weeks, via MLB.com:
Lorenzen, eligible to return on Sept. 2, said he felt great on Aug. 29 but that he might need another rehab start. Nevin confirmed on Aug. 30 that Lorenzen will make one more rehab start before being reinstated, as they want to get his pitch count near 90 pitches.
Ensuring that his pitch count is high enough that he can eat some innings is paramount to make sure there isn’t a trickle-down effect if Lorenzen is unable to go deep in the game.
On the season, Lorenzen is 6-6 with a 4.94 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP over 13 big league starts. In his first full season as a starting pitcher, some arm issues weren’t out of the realm of possibility for the 30-year-old.
Michael Lorenzen hopes to be back with Angels next year
Lorenzen signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Angels in the offseason, but would welcome a return next season, via Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register:
“I want to keep coming back,” the right-hander said on Tuesday. “This is home for me and I love it here.”
The 30-year-old reliever turned starter shouldn’t cost too much on the open market, but a team willing to take a gamble on his success prior to injury will be the driving force. Lorenzen’s upside and ability to limit damage without gaudy strikeout numbers is something that can be improved upon when he finds the ability to miss more bats.
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