Cincinnati Reds excited about Michael Lorenzen as two way player

The two way player is making a comeback, and the Cincinnati Reds are excited about the potential of Michael Lorenzen to join that list.

After decades of dormancy, the two way player is back. Shohei Ohtani showed that such a player could not only succeed, but thrive, in modern day baseball, at least until the pitching aspect of his season came to an end due to injury. Teams are drafting players with the idea of letting them attempt to become two way players as professionals, especially as they search for more versatility on their rosters.

The latest player to be given a chance to succeed as a two way player is Cincinnati Reds reliever Michael Lorenzen. He had been considered a good hitter for a pitcher, but those days may well be over. The Reds included Lorenzen amongst their outfielders for batting practice on Thursday.

Currently, the plan for Lorenzen, at least on the pitching side, is to stretch his arm out so that he can either work as a starter or a multiple inning reliever. Once that part is taken care of, he will be given more chances to hit in game action, and see time in the outfield, particularly in center field.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

Lorenzen has found himself as a reliever. Last season, he produced another solid year, with a 3.11 ERA and a 1.383 WHiP, striking out 54 batters against 34 walks in 81 innings. He served in virtually every role for the Reds, starting three games, notching a save, and serving as that multi-inning relief weapon.

Lorenzen also did quite well at the plate. He produced a .290/.333/.710 batting line in his 34 plate appearances, hitting four homers and a double. Lorenzen also showed a respectable ability to make contact, striking out only nine times. His four home runs led all National League pitchers in 2018, despite his few chances.

While those numbers are impressive, it remains to be seen as to whether or not Lorenzen can produce that type of offense with more exposure at the plate. He does carry a lifetime .250/.246/.500 batting line with six homers in 96 plate appearances, but he has not typically received more than one plate appearance a game since his rookie season.

Lorenzen is also an interesting option when it comes to the Reds outfield. With Billy Hamilton having been released, and subsequently signed by the Royals, Cincinnati does not have a true center fielder. Nick Senzel is getting a look at the position during Spring Training, and the Reds are going to see if Lorenzen can handle the position as well.

The Cincinnati Reds are excited about what Michael Lorenzen can do as a two way player. Depending on how well he adapts to the outfield, he could prove to have an even greater role than the Reds would have expected.