Ex-Phillies starter looks ready for Opening Day, all he needs is a team to play for
Former Phillie Michael Lorenzen is still a free agent but is preparing to be ready for Opening Day.
The MLB regular season has officially started for two teams, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres getting things kicked off in Korea. The Philadelphia Phillies and the rest of the league don't get going for another week, but with the clock ticking down to Opening Day, there are still some free agent players out there looking for new homes for the 2024 season.
Former Phillies pitcher Michael Lorenzen is one of those free agents looking for a new team. His name has popped up a few times over the last couple of months. In January, he threw a bullpen session for roughly half the league. He was also reportedly linked to the New York Yankees last week in the immediate aftermath of the Gerrit Cole injury news. The Yankees kicked the tires, but nothing has come to pass, at least not yet.
Lorenzen has popped up again this week. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and MLB on FOX, the right-hander threw a 70-pitch session on Sunday. He got up and down four times (which means he simulated resting between innings, as all starters do as they build up in spring training).
According to Rosenthal and Lorenzen's agent Ryan Hamill, the 32-year-old hit between 94 and 96 mph on the speed gun, proving to teams that he's ready to go if anyone takes him on before Opening Day.
Free-agent RHP Michael Lorenzen threw 70 pitches yesterday, getting up and down four times, hitting 94 to 96 mph with his fastball, according to a report viewed by The Athletic. Here is video from his agent, Ryan Hamill of CAA. pic.twitter.com/Qk5ol8Ovq5
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 18, 2024
Lorenzen fizzled out after a strong start with the Phillies
After coming over from the Detroit Tigers at the 2023 Trade Deadline, Lorenzen's brief time with the Phillies was highlighted by a phenomenal start, which you will recall included the franchise's 14th no-hitter. He then fizzled out and struggled down the stretch. He finished his time with the Phillies with a 5.51 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and just 28 strikeouts in 47 1/3 regular-season innings.
He also threw 2 2/3 innings in the postseason, and while he gave up a pair of hits and walks, he didn't surrender a run.
Heading into his 10th MLB season, Lorenzen hopes to catch on with a team soon. Two weeks ago, Rosenthal reported for The Athletic that Lorenzen's camp is seeking a two-year, $20 million deal (subscription required). After seeing big names like Blake Snell, Matt Chapman, and Cody Bellinger take abridged deals for less, he might have to lower his sights.
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