Free agent right-hander Michael Lorenzen has officially signed a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers, bolstering their pitching rotation just days before the start of the season. The deal, valued at $4.5 million, includes the potential for an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses.
Lorenzen's readiness to pitch is currently uncertain, but he is anticipated to fill a starting role for the Rangers. This move comes as the team navigates the absence of injured pitchers Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer, both Cy Young Award winners, who are not expected to return until later in the season. Nathan Eovaldi, the standout right-hander with a perfect 5-0 record in last year's postseason, is slated to be the opening day starter against the Chicago Cubs.
To accommodate Lorenzen on the 40-man roster, the Rangers have placed deGrom on the 60-day injured list as he continues his recovery from elbow surgery performed last June.
The 32-year-old Lorenzen, a first-time All-Star last season with the Detroit Tigers, was later traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. Notably, he pitched a no-hitter in his second start for the Phillies against the Washington Nationals. Throughout his career, Lorenzen has accumulated a 40-38 record with a 4.11 ERA in 342 games, transitioning from a starter to a reliever and back to a starter over the years.
Heading into the season, the Rangers had initially planned to rely on Eovaldi as their primary starter, supported by Dane Dunning, Jon Gray, Andrew Heaney, and Cody Bradford. General manager Chris Young confirmed last week that the team was content with this group of starters, despite not re-signing left-hander Jordan Montgomery, who was acquired last year and remains a free agent.
Meanwhile, Scherzer, deGrom, and Tyler Mahle, who joined the team in the offseason, are all undergoing rehabilitation this spring. Mahle, who signed a two-year deal following Tommy John surgery in May, is expected to contribute to the pitching staff once fully recovered.
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