ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) – Newly signed starter Michael Lorenzen will not be on the opening day active roster of the Texas Rangers, who want the All-Star right-hander to build up before moving into their rotation.
General manager Chris Young said Wednesday that Lorenzen will start the season on the 15-day injured list. That move can be backdated to Monday, making Lorenzen eligible to be activated as soon as April 9, during the team’s second homestand of the season.
Lorenzen, a first-time All-Star last season with Detroit who threw a no-hitter for Philadelphia after being traded, finalized a $4.5 million, one-year contract with the Rangers last Friday. The World Series champions open the season Thursday at home against the Chicago Cubs.
“We had considered pushing him to be ready on the opening day roster. I think physically, he´s not quite there,” said Young, a former big league pitcher. “Just missing spring training, there´s still some baseball buildup that we need. … It’s the responsible thing to do. Michael has been phenomenal. We’re excited about where he is.”
Young said reliever Jonathan Hernández also will start the season on the IL after a strained lat muscle that kept him from pitching in the postseason.
Lorenzen worked out on his own and threw to independent league hitters while waiting to sign with a big league club. The 32-year-old right-hander threw 28 pitches during batting practice at the Rangers ballpark Wednesday, and said he feels good.
FILE – Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen celebrates a strike out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning in Game 6 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Philadelphia Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. Lorenzen signed a one-year contract and joined the Texas Rangers on Friday, March 22, 2024, giving the World Series champions another starting pitcher less than a week before the season opener. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
