Blue Jays sign right-hander Lorenzen to take stress off overworked bullpen

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 28, 2026

The Toronto Blue Jays signed veteran pitcher Michael Lorenzen to a one-year deal to strengthen their overworked bullpen amid multiple injuries in the starting rotation. Lorenzen’s addition provides flexibility and depth as the team navigates a heavy reliance on relievers, with several starters currently sidelined.

The Toronto Blue Jays signed veteran right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen to a one-year contract on Thursday in an effort to reinforce a bullpen that has been heavily utilized in recent weeks. Lorenzen’s addition comes shortly after the Blue Jays deployed seven relievers in a 3-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

Lorenzen, 34, was released by the Colorado Rockies earlier this month. He was primarily a starter for Colorado this season, making 25 starts in 26 appearances, and was available out of the bullpen for Thursday night’s game against the Royals. This season, he posted a 3-11 record with a 7.08 earned-run average (ERA).

“We’re looking for availability for length and the ability to do a lot of different things,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said ahead of Thursday’s game.

A 12-year Major League Baseball veteran, Lorenzen spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Cincinnati Reds and earned an All-Star selection in 2023 while with the Detroit Tigers. In addition to those teams, he has pitched for the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, and Texas Rangers. Over his career, Lorenzen holds a 57-66 pitching record with a 4.40 ERA across 421 appearances, including 144 starts.

The Blue Jays have frequently resorted to bullpen games this year amid a spate of injuries to their starting rotation. Shane Bieber, who was expected to start on Wednesday, was placed on the 15-day injured list due to muscle inflammation in his right shoulder. Other starting pitchers currently sidelined include Trey Yesavage (knee), José Berrios (elbow), Patrick Corbin (shoulder), Bowden Francis (elbow), Cody Ponce (knee), and Jameson Taillon (forearm).

The high number of bullpen appearances reflects the team’s current pitching challenges. Entering Thursday’s play, reliever Mason Fluharty led all major-league players with 71 appearances this season.

In roster moves concurrent with Lorenzen’s signing, the Blue Jays optioned right-hander Chad Dallas to Triple-A Buffalo and moved outfielder Jonatan Clase to the 60-day injured list.

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