The Cincinnati Reds have announced that right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen will be joining the Arizona Complex League Reds today to begin a rehab assignment. That is their team that plays at the spring training facility in Goodyear, formerly known as the AZL Reds. They have played just two games this season, but get back on schedule tonight. They also announced that outfielder Scott Heineman cleared waivers and was outrighted to Louisville.
When spring training began Michael Lorenzen was trying to win a spot in the rotation. And it seemed that he was going to take a spot in the rotation, too. That is until a shoulder injury shut him down in the middle of the spring. At first it was thought that he wouldn’t miss more than a few weeks and then he could join the team in early April. He didn’t recover as hoped and had a bit of a setback and took a lot longer to get going. But he’s been throwing out in Arizona at the Reds complex and he’s now ready to join the team out on the field.
The big difference now is that Michael Lorenzen is going to be rehabbing as a reliever with a hopeful return to the bullpen after the All-Star break. This is likely just the first stop for Lorenzen on his return. In the last week manager David Bell has noted that Lorenzen would likely pitch at Louisville on his way back. That could be his only other stop along the way because Triple-A has different protocols for players for when they are promoted. That would make things easier for everyone involved to get him back on the mound in Cincinnati.
Scott Heineman clears waivers
When the Reds called up Alejo Lopez earlier this week the team had to create an opening for him on the 40-man and 26-man roster and they did so by designating Scott Heineman for assignment. He cleared waivers today and was outrighted to Triple-A Louisville. As a player who has been designated for assignment previously in his career he has the right to either accept the assignment or to become a free agent. That decision, if it has been made, has not yet been announced.
by the time we get Lorenzen, Moose, Senzel back and in a groove I am afraid it will be way too late to catch the Brewers.
i hope we are not sellers at the trade deadline though. i think psychologically for the fans it is important to try to have a winning season finally.
If it isn’t already. The Reds really need to acquire a shortstop and figure out who can play first when a lefty is pitching. Hopefully, they’ll give Lopez another shot tonight. Last night was a bad game to judge him on.
Well… Maybe they (including Antone and Sims too) will be available just after the 7-game series against Brewers… Yikes…
Things happen. With a half a season to go, it’s not too late.
Unrelated question: If the Reds trade for Trevor Story and he does not resign with them will they get a compensatory pick in 2022 for him not signing?
I’m all for that trade, if and only if, the Reds are willing to pony up the dollars to keep him. And I’d want that wrapped into the negotiations. If they aren’t then forget about it.
I don’t believe so, but neither do the Rocks. My understanding is they were with the team the entire year, got the QO, and declined it.
I believe that you are correct Mark.
You know. we’re gonna have to watch him blow it a few times before he finds his footing up here.
This is great if we are still in it come August.
I hope reds find ways to win against playoff teams. We back to fourth place bc lose again and the series against the pad once again. We r still two games behind the cubs which if we take over cubs place we will be a wild card team. If we are a wild card with all these injury I will take it. I know goal is to be a division winner but to be realistic we should aim for second place and keep ahead over cubs and cards we will be fine.
Milwaukee has the Pirates for 4 and Reds have Cubs for 3. Milwaukee could be in complete control by Monday.
That is a good looking bating order tonight
Lorenzen is certainly better than Doolittle, but he isn’t the 2nd coming of Mariano Rivera. I didn’t like how he thought he was entitled to a starter spot without even proving himself in Spring. Then he proceeded to throw up all over himself when he did pitch, but still thought the spot was his. Then he got hurt. Pitchers need to be elastic, not muscle-bound
Maybe just in time for a trade deadline showcase.
I’m much more concerned about the bullpen and 5th starter than I am the shortstop position. This team is scoring plenty of runs if the bullpen and 5th starter were at least league average. Shortstop is not the problem – at least in the first half of the season.
Good. There is no question that the Reds bullpen would be better with Lorenzen in it. Hope he’s fully healthy and ready to contribute!
I think I heard the brewers were going to use a6SPs rotation a month ago… Are they following that plan?
Is it something that Reds can use as well?