One day before Tuesday’s 5 p.m. CT Trade Deadline, the Royals acquired right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen from the Rangers in exchange for left-handed reliever Walter Pennington on Monday.
After signing a one-year, $4.5 million contract during Spring Training, Lorenzen, 32, is 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 19 appearances (18 starts) with the Rangers this season. He made his debut on April 15.
During his 29 appearances (25 starts) with Detroit and Philadelphia in the previous season, he was named an All-Star for the first time, achieving career highs in starts, innings (153), wins (nine), and strikeouts (111). This season, Lorenzen has been particularly effective against left-handed hitters, limiting their average to.144.
Since both John Schreiber and Hunter Harvey left Sunday’s game early due to injuries, the Royals have been looking for depth in their pitching rotation. Throughout his career, Lorenzen has mostly relieved for the Reds, making 269 of his 295 career appearances out of the bullpen. He has established himself as a starter during the last three seasons with the Angels, Tigers, and Phillies. The Royals have some personnel flexibility and versatility because of that expertise.
The 26-year-old Pennington, who was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Colorado School of Mines in 2020, made his Major League debut earlier this month. This season, he appeared in 37 games (two starts) for Triple-A Omaha, compiling 59 2/3 innings of strikeouts and a 2.26 ERA. With Kris Bubic, Sam Long, Angel Zerpa, and Will Smith among the other lefties in the Royals bullpen, Pennington is a valuable trade commodity.
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