As the 2024 season for the Round Rock Express comes into fruition, the Texas Rangers are waiting for some reinforcements specifically in late offseason signing SP Michael Lorenzen who signed with the Texas Rangers for a 1 year $4.5 million deal. Lorenzen in 2023 was an All-Star splitting time with both the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies posting a 9-9 record, 4.18 ERA and 111 strikeouts which were the most of his nine-year career.
During the offseason, many players were unable to strike the deal desired due to the reset in the market through the LA Dodgers signings of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Because of so, Lorenzen, who was a highly coveted starter didn’t get the opportunity to sign until a week before opening day which led him to start the year off with the Round Rock Express in AAA.
Lorenzen made his first start with Round Rock on March 30th as it was tough sledding for him early in the game being hit around only being able to stick around for 2.2 innings allowing three hits and three runs with the rust showing after not forgoing a spring training. It’s a good thing he started in AAA to give him the opportunity to get his grove back in what would be a prove it year to get that contract he so rightfully deserves.
Luckily in Lorenzen’s most previous start on April 4th against the El Paso Chihuahuas, he most definitely turned the curve after a dominant showing of 4 innings, allowing three hits and one run. Everything was going right for the Express as they were able to propel to a 10-2 win with a valuable pitching performance from Michael Lorenzen as he inched closer to his return.
In Lorenzen’s second start, he looked more comfortable and that he could be making a return in the next two weeks or so. What stood out the most was his patience being able to paint the zones which overwhelmed El Paso hitters through the entirety of his start. It is not clear yet whether Lorenzen will be placed as a starter or in the bullpen but either way, he brings well needed pitching depth to this Rangers team.
