HOUSTON — The Texas Rangers are ready to add Michael Lorenzen to their starting rotation.
And Max Scherzer is ready to face batters.
Manager Bruce Bochy said Friday that no further rehab outings are scheduled for Lorenzen, who pitched 89 pitches and 4.2 innings Wednesday at Triple-A Round Rock. The Rangers just have to decide where to slide him into the rotation. Lorenzen and left-hander Cody Bradford are off to a strong start, with both pitching on Wednesday. In the midst of 17 games with no off days, adding Lorenzen as a sixth starter for the time being could buy everyone an extra day of rest.
He gave up five walks against Oklahoma City, but Lorenzen suggested that had more to do with the automated ball/strike system than the quality of his pitching. Pitches designed for pursuit in the majors have been abandoned in the minors due to ABS.
“I took the extra start as a chance to work on some things,” Lorenzen said Friday. “When guys walk, the competition wants it to be a strike, but you don't want that.” [the ABS system] It carries over into other things you do. I had my process and I stuck to it. ”
Meanwhile, Scherzer had another bullpen session on Friday and confirmed he will face batters in live batting practice in Detroit on Monday. This is essentially the second week of spring training for Scherzer, who is returning from back surgery. He will likely need another month to six weeks of rehab before he is ready to pitch in a major league game.
“But I feel completely normal,” Scherzer said. “There's no problem with throwing.”
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