Cincinnati Reds: Three takeaways from series victory vs Brewers

1. Reds reliever Michael Lorenzen needs a boost of confidence.

Let’s get the bad out of the way first, shall we? What in world has happened to Michael Lorenzen? The Cincinnati Reds top relief pitcher from a year ago has hit rock bottom. It continued yesterday when Lorenzen entered the game with the score knotted at two runs. Lorenzen could not record and out and left with the Reds facing a three-run deficit.

Last season, Lorenzen was the super-sub for David Bell. Playing in 100 games last season, the Zen Master pitched in 73 contests and put up a 2.92 ERA while striking out a career-high 85 batters. This season, Lorenzen’s ERA is sitting at 16.88 and he’s allowed 10 runs through 5.1 innings of work.

Bell would know better than me, but it looks like Lorenzen needs a boost of confidence and should be removed from high-leverage situations. In the past, Lorenzen has certainly looked the part, but the 2020 season is a different story. With the hapless Royals and Pirates coming to town, perhaps Bell can find a scenario in which to turn to Lorenzen with a six or seven run lead.

Whatever is ailing the young pitcher, this team needs him back on track. The Reds bullpen is shaky is best, with Amir Garrett, Lucas Sims and Raisel Iglesias providing some measure of consistency thus far. In order to compete for a spot in the postseason, Michael Lorenzen needs to be right. Hopefully we see a return to normalcy for Mikey Biceps this week.