Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Lorenzen

Discover the career path of Michael Lorenzen, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael Lorenzen is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Kansas City Royals in MLB. Previously, he played for several other MLB teams including the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Texas Rangers. He is known for his pitching abilities in professional baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays

In 2010, Michael Lorenzen was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh round of the Major League Baseball draft, but he opted not to sign, choosing instead to attend college.

2013: Professional Debut

In 2013, Michael Lorenzen was selected by the Cincinnati Reds and subsequently made his professional debut with the Arizona League Reds. He also pitched for the Dayton Dragons, Bakersfield Blaze, and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos during the season, achieving a 1-1 record with a 3.00 ERA across 21 innings.

2013: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds

In 2013, Michael Lorenzen was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round of the MLB draft, marking a significant step in his baseball career.

2014: Pensacola Performance

In 2014, Michael Lorenzen pitched for Pensacola, starting 24 games and achieving a 4–6 win–loss record with a 3.13 ERA in 120+2⁄3 innings pitched.

April 29, 2015: Major League Debut

On April 29, 2015, Michael Lorenzen made his major league debut, pitching five innings against the Milwaukee Brewers. He allowed eight hits and three home runs, striking out five, and was charged with the 8–3 loss.

2015: MLB Debut with the Reds

Michael Lorenzen made his Major League Baseball debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2015, initiating his career at the highest level of professional baseball.

2015: Minor League Assignment

Michael Lorenzen started the 2015 season with the Louisville Bats after being reassigned to the minor leagues during spring training, marking the beginning of his season in the minor league system.

2016: Sprained UCL and Bullpen Role

During spring training in 2016, Michael Lorenzen was diagnosed with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, delaying his return until mid-June. Upon his return, he pitched out of the bullpen for Cincinnati, finishing the year with a 2–1 record and a 2.88 ERA in 35 relief appearances.

2017: Relief Appearances

In 2017, Michael Lorenzen made 70 relief appearances, recording an 8-4 record with a 4.45 ERA. These appearances highlight his role as a relief pitcher for his team during that season.

June 30, 2018: Grand Slam Home Run

On June 30, 2018, Michael Lorenzen was called up to pinch-hit and hit a grand slam off pitcher Jacob Barnes during a game against the Brewers. This marked his third home run of the 2018 season.

2018: Transition to Two-Way Player

During the 2018-2019 offseason, Michael Lorenzen worked extensively as an outfielder, expressing a desire to transition into a two-way player.

September 4, 2019: Home Run, Win as Pitcher, and Play in the Field

On September 4, 2019, Michael Lorenzen became the second player in baseball history to hit a home run, earn the win as the pitcher, and play in the field in the same game, during a Reds' victory over the Phillies, 8-5. This was the first time since Babe Ruth achieved this feat on June 13, 1921.

2020: Season with the Reds

In 2020, Michael Lorenzen pitched in 18 games for the Reds, achieving a 3-1 record and a 4.28 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 33+2⁄3 innings.

November 30, 2021: Signed with the Los Angeles Angels

On November 30, 2021, Michael Lorenzen signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels worth $6.75 million.

April 11, 2022: Angels Debut

On April 11, 2022, Michael Lorenzen made his Angels debut, starting the game and pitching 6 innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 7 against the Miami Marlins.

May 1, 2022: Longest Career Start

On May 1, 2022, Michael Lorenzen made his longest career start against the Chicago White Sox, giving up 3 runs in 8+1⁄3 innings of work.

December 20, 2022: Signs with Detroit Tigers

On December 20, 2022, Michael Lorenzen signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers worth $8.5 million.

2022: Signs with the Los Angeles Angels

In 2022, Michael Lorenzen signed with the Los Angeles Angels, beginning a new chapter in his MLB career with a team closer to his California roots.

April 15, 2023: Tigers Debut and Activation

On April 15, 2023, Michael Lorenzen was activated off the injured list to make his Detroit Tigers debut, starting against the San Francisco Giants. He had started the season on the injured list with a left groin strain.

August 1, 2023: Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies

On August 1, 2023, Michael Lorenzen was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for prospect Hao-Yu Lee, marking a transition to a new team during the season.

2023: Trade to the Phillies and No-Hitter

Prior to the 2023 trade deadline, Michael Lorenzen was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he notably threw a no-hitter, marking a significant achievement in his career.

March 22, 2024: Signs with the Texas Rangers

On March 22, 2024, Michael Lorenzen signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Texas Rangers. He had hoped for a multi-year contract, but waited until March to sign.

July 29, 2024: Traded to the Kansas City Royals

On July 29, 2024, Michael Lorenzen was traded to the Kansas City Royals for Walter Pennington, marking another team transition in his career.

2024: Signs with the Texas Rangers

Michael Lorenzen signed with the Texas Rangers for the 2024 season, continuing his MLB career with a new team.

January 8, 2025: Re-signs with the Royals

On January 8, 2025, Michael Lorenzen re-signed with the Royals on a one-year, $7 million contract. Before signing, he considered becoming a two-way player again.