Rockies part ways with struggling pitcher Michael Lorenzen

Michael Lorenzen. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rockies part ways with struggling pitcher Michael Lorenzen

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Aug 17, 2026 6:37 PM ET

The Colorado Rockies are moving on from veteran starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen, who has been designated for assignment.

In a corresponding move, they have recalled right-handed pitcher TJ Shook from Triple-A Albuquerque, who will provide bullpen reinforcements in the meantime.

As well, this leaves the Rockies with 37 players on their 40-man roster. The 34-year-old had the tools to be a durable veteran in the rotation but has struggled immensely. He's sporting a poor 3-11 record with a bloated 7.08 ERA and a 1.88 WHIP with 82 strikeouts across 115 and 2/3 innings pitched.

As well, his low-strikeout profile didn't make him the right fit for Coors Field. His sinker-heavy approach was a misfire in Colorado that inflated his ERA before his DFA. His arsenal relied heavily on a sinker, four-seam fastball, and a changeup combo, but it failed to generate swing-and-miss stuff to tackle Coors' high altitude.

Michael Lorenzen designated for assignment by the Rockies. pic.twitter.com/zNQXDmKBG9
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) August 17, 2026

Michael Lorenzen failed to fit the environment of Coors Field following his mounting struggles

For Lorenzen to have succeeded in Coors, he would have required much better ground-ball rates while accumulating more strikeouts in order to limit hard contact. Opponents have posted a .331 batting average against him, which has led to a career-high in hits given up this season.

Evidently, this was a big issue for the right-hander, who has given up 19 home runs this season, with nine of them being at Coors Field.

Lorenzen's Rockies tenure didn't go according to plan, and while it's a tough blow as they will lose a clubhouse presence, the team must focus on finding a starter that can help minimize loud contact and help stabilize the rotation. All in all, the search for an elite ground-ball starting pitcher continues for the Rockies.

Lorenzen will likely find himself landing a MiLB deal with a team looking to add veteran depth who are willing to look past his poor performance this season. But considering how his profile didn't fit with the environment of Coors, he will likely improve in a new environment that can help him regain his former dominance, as he was an All-Star in 2023 while playing for the Detroit Tigers.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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