Cincinnati Reds: Predicting the 2020 bullpen after adding Pedro Strop

1. Michael Lorenzen, Right-handed pitcher

Book it! Get out the Sharpie and write it in permanent ink. Michael Lorenzen will be part of the 2020 Cincinnati Reds bullpen. You can also be sure that Lorenzen won’t only be tethered to the bullpen. Look for Lorenzen to play a dual role in 2020 – relief pitcher and outfielder. Some fans may scoff at the idea, but Lorenzen proved last season he was up to the challenge.

Mikey Biceps was the Reds best reliever last season, but Lorenzen also showed he could help the ball club in other ways. His speed make him a threat on the base paths if David Bell wants to make a late-inning substitution. Lorenzen also has the chops to play all three outfield spots, and while 2019 wasn’t his most successful campaign, Lorenzen can also swing the bat with power.

Having Lorenzen gives Bell the ability to add an extra bullpen arm down the line – something that the second-year skipper would certainly take advantage of. According to MLB.com, as of 2020, only players designated as pitchers will be able to pitch in a game. The rule has three exceptions; if the game goes into extra innings, a player’s team is winning or losing by six or more runs, or a player has earned the “two-way” designation.

Once a player earns the two-way designation, he’ll have that status for the remainder of the season and into the following season. It’s doubtful that Lorenzen has met the requirements yet, but you can bet he will at some point during the upcoming season. Regardless, Lorenzen will be counted on to be a force late in games for the Reds in 2020.