Reds: 5 bold predictions for the second-half of the 2021 MLB season

4. Reds reliever Michael Lorenzen records 10 saves.

The Cincinnati Reds had hoped to see Michael Lorenzen occupy a spot in the starting rotation during the 2021 season. However, a shoulder injury has prevented Lorenzen from appearing in a major league game thus far. Look for Lorenzen to return to the team on Friday and add some much needed stability to the Cincinnati bullpen.

I love the idea of Lorenzen as a starting pitcher. I don’t know that Lorenzen would rival Angels’ superstars as the best two-way player in baseball, but Lorenzen does have a unique skillset that would allow him to hit, pitch, and play the field.

That said, David Bell has already said that Mikey Biceps will be headed to the Reds bullpen upon his return. That is welcome news from Reds fans who’ve seen Cincinnati field one of the worst bullpens in the league.

When the Reds decided to trade Raisel Iglesias this offseason and also non-tender Archie Bradley, I think that most in the front office and the fanbase believed that Amir Garrett was ready to be the team’s closer. Obviously that was wishful thinking. AG is sporing a 6.51 ERA and three blown saves.

Enter Michael Lorenzen, who has proven year after year to be one of Cincinnati’s best hurlers. Even when Tejay Antone returns from the IL, I expect Lorenzen to get a majority of the high-leverage situations. Mikey Biceps will be Bell’s most reliable reliever late in games and notch a career-high 10 saves over the final two-plus months of the season.