Last season, Michael Lorenzen was selected to the All-Star squad while playing for the Detroit Tigers. He’ll make his season debut against them on Monday night, when the Texas Rangers begin a four-game series in Detroit. The veteran right-hander will be recalled from the 15-day injured list to make his Rangers debut. Lorenzen made his rehab start at Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday, going 4 2/3 innings and throwing 89 pitches.
Lorenzen, who was dealing with a neck injury during spring training, made three rehab starts at Round Rock. Lorenzen was a late signee, inking a one-year deal as a free agent on March 22.
“He’s going to help give the guys a break,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. “We have some versatility with a couple of guys in the rotation.” Lorenzen’s presence in the rotation is needed, as Cody Bradford went on the injured list on Sunday due to a lower back strain. The 26-year-old left-hander gave up just three earned runs and 10 hits in 19 1/3 innings this season while winning all three of his starts.
Lorenzen went 5-7 with a 3.58 ERA in 18 starts with the Tigers last season. He was then dealt to Philadelphia, where he made 11 more regular-season appearances, including throwing a no-hitter. He’s made six appearances (one start) against Detroit in his career, going 1-1 with a 3.58 ERA. Reese Olson (0-1, 5.40 ERA) will get the start for the Tigers. In his season debut, Olson held the New York Mets scoreless in 5 2/3 innings.
His last outing didn’t go as smoothly, giving up six runs in 4 1/3 innings to the Pittsburgh Pirates last Monday.
“Obviously, I didn’t do a good job getting ahead in counts,” Olson admitted. “You can’t be successful doing that. The biggest issue was getting behind in counts. I became more predictable, and they took advantage of it.” Olson allowed one run in 1 2/3 innings in his sole career appearance against the Rangers.
