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 Colorado Rockies in MLB. He has played for multiple teams throughout his career, including the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, and Kansas City Royals. Lorenzen's career has spanned several years, showcasing his skills as a pitcher in Major League Baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays

In 2010, Lorenzen was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh round of the Major League Baseball draft, but he chose not to sign and instead enrolled at California State University, Fullerton.

2013: Selected by the Cincinnati Reds and Professional Debut

In 2013, Lorenzen was selected as the 38th pick by the Cincinnati Reds. He signed and 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 2013 season.

2013: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds

In 2013, the Reds selected Lorenzen in the first round of the MLB draft after he played college baseball as a pitcher and outfielder for the Cal State Fullerton Titans.

2014: Pitched for Pensacola

In 2014, 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, Lorenzen was promoted to the major leagues and made his debut for the Reds, pitching five innings against the Milwaukee Brewers and taking the loss.

2015: MLB Debut with the Reds

In 2015, Lorenzen made his MLB debut with the Cincinnati Reds, marking a significant milestone in his professional baseball career.

2015: Spring Training and Minor League Assignment

In 2015, Lorenzen tried out for the Reds in spring training as a relief pitcher but was reassigned to the minor leagues before the start of the season. He started the 2015 season with the Louisville Bats.

August 19, 2016: First Career Home Run

On August 19, 2016, in his first game back from the bereavement list, Lorenzen hit his first career home run and dedicated it to his father.

2016: Sprained UCL and Relief Appearances

During spring training in 2016, 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.

2017: Relief Appearances

In 2017, Lorenzen made 70 appearances in relief, achieving an 8–4 record with a 4.45 ERA.

June 30, 2018: Hit a Grand Slam

On June 30, 2018, Lorenzen was called up to pinch-hit in the seventh inning against the Brewers and hit a grand slam off pitcher Jacob Barnes. It was Lorenzen's third home run of the 2018 season.

2018: Worked as an Outfielder

During the 2018-2019 offseason, Lorenzen worked extensively as an outfielder and expressed his desire to transition to a two-way player, showing eagerness for the new role.

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

On September 4, 2019, Lorenzen achieved a rare feat by hitting a home run, earning the win as the pitcher, and playing in the field in the same game against the Phillies, joining Babe Ruth as the only other player to do so since June 13, 1921.

2020: Pitched for the Reds

In 2020, Lorenzen pitched in 18 games for the Reds, registering a 3–1 record and a 4.28 ERA with 35 strikeouts.

July 17, 2021: Activated Off Injured List

On July 17, 2021, Lorenzen was activated off of the injured list, marking his return to playing after recovering from a shoulder strain.

November 30, 2021: Signed with the Los Angeles Angels

On November 30, 2021, Lorenzen signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels worth $6.75 million, choosing the team partly due to his childhood connection to the Anaheim area.

April 11, 2022: Angels Debut

On April 11, 2022, Lorenzen made his Angels debut, pitching 6 innings and allowing 1 earned run against the Miami Marlins.

May 1, 2022: Longest Career Start

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

December 20, 2022: Signed with the Detroit Tigers

On December 20, 2022, Lorenzen signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers worth $8.5 million, adding another team to his MLB career.

2022: Signed with the Los Angeles Angels

For the 2022 season, Lorenzen signed with the Los Angeles Angels, joining a new team in his MLB career.

April 15, 2023: Tigers Debut

On April 15, 2023, Lorenzen was activated off the injured list to make his Tigers debut starting against the San Francisco Giants.

August 1, 2023: Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies

On August 1, 2023, Lorenzen was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for prospect Hao-Yu Lee, starting a new chapter in his baseball career.

2023: Traded to the Phillies and Threw a No-Hitter

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

March 22, 2024: Signed with the Texas Rangers

On March 22, 2024, Lorenzen signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Texas Rangers, after waiting until March in hopes of a multi-year contract.

July 29, 2024: Traded to the Kansas City Royals

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

2024: Signed with the Texas Rangers

For the 2024 season, Lorenzen signed with the Texas Rangers, adding another team to his MLB career.

January 8, 2025: Re-signed with the Royals

On January 8, 2025, Lorenzen re-signed with the Royals on a one-year, $7 million contract, after considering a return to being a two-way player.

January 15, 2026: Signed with the Colorado Rockies

On January 15, 2026, Lorenzen signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Colorado Rockies, including a club option for 2027.

2027: Club Option for 2027 Season

Lorenzen's contract with the Colorado Rockies, signed on January 15, 2026, includes a $9 million club option for the 2027 season, providing the team with the potential to extend his tenure.