Dodgers Linked to Free Agent Michael Lorenzen as Potential Back-End Starter

Entering the offseason, the Dodgers’ biggest priority was to address their needs in the starting rotation. About two months into the winter, L.A. has turned a weakness from last season into a strength.

They signed Japanese pitching sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a massive 12-year, $325 million contract, and traded for ace Tyler Glasnow. The two will headline the rotation alongside Bobby Miller and Walker Buehler, but they still could use one more arm.

MLB Insider Jon Morosi of MLB Network is reporting that the Dodgers could look at right-hander Michael Lorenzen to fill out the back end of their rotation.

“I could envision someone in the range of a Michael Lorenzen. Shorter team deal, perhaps. California guy.”

Lorenzen split time during the 2023 season with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Detroit Tigers. He was much more effective during his time with Detroit, posting an ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.10 over 18 appearances. 

With the Phillies, he appeared in 11 games, posting an ERA of 5.51 and a WHIP of 1.46. Between the two teams, his ERA was at 4.18, and the Dodgers may believe that he is more of the guy they saw with the Tigers than with Philadelphia.

He would likely be their reclamation project type for the season, but he has only thrown more than 100 innings twice in his career. Lorenzen threw 113.1 innings in his rookie season with the Cincinnati Reds and then 153 last season combined.

The Dodgers need someone who can eat innings, so they may look elsewhere for a back-of-the-rotation piece. Starter Lucas Giolito has been heavily linked to them once again, and he could fit the role needed.

Morosi also said that he believes veteran Clayton Kershaw may return to the team at some point. The Dodgers need a left-hander for the rotation, and Kershaw would fit that bill.

“We may also at some point see Clayton Kershaw come back.”

We likely won’t see Kershaw until late in the second half of the season next year, but the hope is that he does return. L.A. has built itself a strong rotation for next season, and it’s a complete turnaround from where they were a few months ago.

Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

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