Phillies Star Struggles in First Bullpen Appearance

It was looking like the move the Philadelphia Phillies made at the trade deadline for pitcher Michael Lorenzen was going to be a perfect marriage.

In his first two starts with his new team, the right hander allowed two runs over 17 innings pitched. That included a no-hitter in his second start that electrified the home crowd.

Since that moment, it's been anything but perfect for Lorenzen in a Phillies jersey.

He's given up four or more earned runs in four out of his five starts since the no-hitter.

Manager Rob Thomson decided to move him into the bullpen to get him ready for his upcoming postseason role.

In his first bullpen appearance for Philadelphia on Tuesday, the right hander continued his struggles.

Lorenzen only lasted 1/3 of an inning, giving up four earned runs before recording a single out.

"I don’t like not being good. It’s not something I do well with," the pitcher told Todd Zolecki of MLB.com after the game. "Sometimes this game's really easy for you, and sometimes it's just really hard."

It has been a major flip for the 31-year-old who was having his best season as a starter this year. He seemingly had found his groove after being selected to the All-Star team earlier in the season then being acquired by a playoff contender.

But since the historic feat, nothing has come easy.

Zolecki writes, "Lorenzen has a 9.23 ERA in six appearances since he threw his no-hitter against the Nationals on Aug. 9. In 26 1/3 innings, he has allowed 40 hits, 30 runs (27 earned) and 14 walks, and he has struck out 14."

Thomson hasn't lost faith in his pitcher.

"He’s a veteran. And I think getting him used to coming out of the bullpen might take an outing or two. But I think it’s in there."

The Phillies need him to turn his season around. The bullpen has been spotty at best, giving up late leads in games on multiple occasions down the stretch.

"We're in win-now baseball, so you have to do whatever it takes. I have to adjust better and hope to adjust better," Lorenzen said about moving forward with his new role.

Philadelphia needs that adjustment to come soon as they put the finishing touches on their Wild Card positioning and figure out who they can rely on in the postseason.