Cincinnati Reds: Three bold predictions for Michael Lorenzen in 2020

1. Michael Lorenzen goes to his first All-Star Game

Every July, the best players in the game gather together for the Midsummer Classic. This year, the Los Angeles Dodgers will host the 2020 MLB All-Star Game on July 14th. Look for Lorenzen to make an appearance in Chavez Ravine.

Last season, two of the Cincinnati Reds starting pitchers appeared on the National League’s roster. Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo represented the Queen City in the 90th All-Star Game, with Gray making his second career appearance, while La Piedra got the invite for the first time. With an increased role on this 2020 Reds team, Lorenzen will have opportunities to impress the voters.

It’s unusual to see any relief pitchers make the All-Star squad outside of traditional closers, but Lorenzen’s role as a multi-faceted player heading into 2020 could be enough to get the attention of fans, players and managers.

Lorenzen led the bullpen in ERA, ERA+ and innings pitched in 2019. I’d expect to see Lorenzen used early and often by Reds skipper David Bell this season. No one on the pitching staff puts together a better offseason regimen than Lorenzen, so look for the 28-year-old to be in pique physical condition when the season kicks off.

The All-Star Game is a reward for the players, but it’s also about the fan experience. Few players in Major League Baseball outside of Shohei Ohtani are going to gather the kind of intrigue that Lorenzen is likely to see in 2020. If Michael Lorenzen takes the field more than a dozen times before the voting closes, he’ll get considerable recognition for a spot on the NL squad.