Former Phillies Pitcher Viewed as Option for Minnesota Twins
The Philadelphia Phillies roster looks set heading into the season. Unless they make another marginal move, they should enter the year with much of the same roster from 2023.
If it wasn’t for blowing a 3-2 lead in the NLCS, the Phillies would’ve at least had back-to-back World Series appearances. Dave Dombrowski has clearly put together a roster that can win it all and now it’s time for the team to go out there and finish the job.
One player that won’t be with the team is Michael Lorenzen.
The starter was acquired before the deadline from the Detroit Tigers. He was named an All-Star with the Tigers after posting a 3.58 ERA across 105 2/3 innings pitched.
He was supposed to be a sold No. 3-4 for Philadelphia, but outside of his no-hitter, he had his struggles. The right-hander posted a 5.51 ERA and was left off the Phillies’ Wild Card roster.
Without a home at this point in the offseason, Lorenzen will likely miss Opening Day. At the latest, his decision should come before the end of the month.
Of the potential teams, Brandon Scott of Bleacher Report writes that the former Philadelphia pitcher would fit with the Minnesota Twins.
The Twins have a need for starting pitching with a weak back end of their rotation and a lack of depth. As constructed, their rotation is expected to feature Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Chris Paddack, and Anthony DeSclafani.
DeSclafani has had elbow soreness, another concern as they head into the season.
Lorenzen could be a good fit for Minnesota and he has familiarity pitching in the AL Central.
Don’t be surprised if the Twins give him a call and ultimately sign him.