Former All-Star Continues to Ramp Up in Minor Leagues For Texas Rangers

Though he's not at the big league level yet, new Texas Rangers' pitcher Michael Lorenzen is continuing to ramp up at the minor league level. He will make another rehab start for Triple-A on Wednesday and could be back with the big club in a week or so.

Aug 23, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Michael / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

After recently signing a deal with the Texas Rangers, former All-Star Michael Lorenzen continues to ramp up at Triple-A and could be an option for the Rangers at the big league level in a week or so.

The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal and links to an original report from the Dallas Morning News (subscription required):

Lorenzen (neck) struck out three over 2.2 innings while allowing three earned runs on three hits and two walks Saturday in his rehab start with Triple-A Round Rock.

ANALYSIS
Though he's officially on the 15-day injured list with a neck strain, Lorenzen isn't believed to be dealing with any major health concerns. Instead, he was placed on the IL prior to Opening Day so he could continue the ramp-up process in the minors since he missed most of spring training after not signing with the Rangers until March 22. Lorenzen didn't look especially overpowering in his first rehab start, but more importantly, he built up to 50 pitches (34 strikes). He's expected to make another rehab start with Round Rock on Thursday and will likely push his pitch count into the 65-to-70 range, per Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. If all goes well, Lorenzen could then return from the IL early next week and slot into the Texas rotation during the club's three-game series with Oakland that runs from April 9 through 11.

The Rangers are out to a 4-2 start and are tied for first place in the American League West with the Los Angeles Angels. Though they have started hot, getting Lorenzen in the fold will be good news for Texas, who is without Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer and Tyler Mahle right now. All three have injuries that could keep them out until midseason.

Lorenzen is a nine-year veteran who has pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Philies.

He made the All-Star team last season with the Tigers and then threw a no-hitter after being traded to Philly.

He's 40-38 lifetime with a 4.11 ERA.

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