Blue Jays sign veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to aid overworked bullpen

Toronto Blue Jays have added veteran right-hander Michael Lorenzen to their bullpen, signing him to a one-year deal on Thursday. Lorenzen, 34, previously played for Colorado Rockies before being released earlier in the month. He was utilized heavily in recent games, including a 3-0 win over Kansas City Royals on the same day as the announcement.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised Lorenzen's versatility, stating he can pitch both as a reliever and a starting pitcher. The Blue Jays have faced numerous bullpen games due to injuries, with starters Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Patrick Corbin, Bowden Francis, Cody Ponce, and Jameson Taillon sidelined. Mason Fluharty leads all Blue Jays in appearances, with 71 games. Lorenzen, a 12-year MLB veteran, posted a 3-11 record with a 7.08 ERA for Colorado this season.