Why the Texas Rangers signed starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen

The Texas Rangers addressed their injury-riddled rotation by reaching a one-year deal with free agent right-hander Michael Lorenzen, multiple outlets reported Thursday.

The deal is reportedly worth $4.5 million, with the potential for another $2.5 million in incentives.

he Rangers are expected to face a good chunk of the season without injured starters Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle. One of the club’s postseason heroes, free agent Jordan Montgomery, is reportedly back in talks with the New York Yankees and is not expected to return to the Rangers.

Lorenzen, 32, split time between the Detroit and Philadelphia last season. His 3.58 ERA in 18 starts for the Tigers earned him his first All-Star nod. In his first home start with the Phillies, he posted his first career no-hitter against the Washington Nationals on Aug. 9.

He finished last season on a downward slide, with an 8.01 ERA and 1.91 WHIP across his final 30 1/3 innings that got him demoted to the bullpen. He made just two appearances in the Phillies’ postseason run.

Lorenzen has a 40-38 career record with a 4.11 ERA in 724 innings over 342 games (69 starts) with the Cincinnati Reds (2015-21), Los Angeles Angels (2022), Tigers and Phillies.

The Rangers conclude their Cactus League season in Arizona this weekend. They host the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field in exhibitions on Monday and Tuesday before opening the season on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs.

The Rangers will raise the World Series championship flag prior to the opener and the players are expected to receive their championship rings.

Star-Telegram sports editor Dave Ammenheuser contributed to this Field Level Media report.