The Defending World Series champions, Texas Rangers, have a new starting pitcher after agreeing to a short-term deal with Michael Lorenzen.
The right-hand pitcher, who last played for the Philadelphia Phillies after being traded from the Detroit Tigers, stunned last season with his no-hitter in a 7-0 win over the Washington Nationals.
Before the trade, he made the All-Star as part of the Tigers, the first in his career. He started 18 games for the Tigers and posted a 3.58 ERA.
He finished the 2023 season with a 5.51 ERA in 11 games for the Phillies before becoming a free agent.
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He is 40-38 overall since arriving in the majors in 2015 via the Cincinnati Reds, with a 4.11 ERA in 342 games.
Lorenzen is expected to start for the Rangers, who are missing several pitchers ahead of the new season.
General manager Chris Young believes the addition of Lorenzen to the team is huge for their title defense.
"This is really a very good signing for us, and I am grateful to ownership for stepping up and allowing us to make this move," he told reporters after confirming their recruit.
"I think Michael is going to be a huge addition to our team and help get us through the early part of the season, especially when we may be a little thin with our pitching."
Michael Lorenzen's contract
The Michael Lorenzen-Rangers partnership is only for one season to the tune of $4.5 million.
Aside from the initial amount, the 32-year-old RH pitcher could also net $2.5 million in performance bonuses for innings, according to the Associated Press.
His performance could earn him $200,000 each for 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100; $300,000 for 120; $350,000 for 140; $400,000 for 160; and $450,000 for 180.
Jordan Montgomery and the Rangers' pitching situation
Lorenzen's arrival is crucial for the Rangers as Cy Young Award winners Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer are still recovering from injuries and could miss some more weeks.
Scherzer said his injury occurred right after the end of the 2023 season. Doctors found inflammation on his back while he was enjoying the offseason with his family. He had epidural injections, but an MRI revealed a herniated disk. His recovery is going well.
As for De Grom, signed by the Rangers before the 2023 season for a $185 million, five-year deal, is also recovering well and is already engaging in a plyometric training program.
With a new right-hand pitcher, the possibility of Jordan Montgomery returning to the Rangers becomes slim.
The Rangers acquired Montgomery in July mid-season and became a free agent in November.
His camp struggles to find a new team as he seeks a long-term deal.
A Texas return appears to be out of the question now, as other rumors link him to several teams that have already lost their star pitchers to injuries.
Among them is his former team, the New York Yankees, who will be without Gerrit Cole for an extended period.
The Houston Astros will also start the new season without Justin Verlander and José Urquidy.
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