Former Reds pitcher posts heartfelt goodbye to Cincinnati

Michael Lorenzen bid farewell to Cincinnati Reds fans with a heartfelt video posted to the pitcher's Instagram account.

Lorenzen, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 2013, signed a one-year/$7M deal with the Los Angeles Angels this past week.

Michael Lorenzen posted a message to Reds fans.

Lorenzen is expected to follow in the footsteps of now-teammate, Shohei Ohtani, and be given the opportunity to both pitch and play the outfield.

Lorenzen has longed for the opportunity to showcase his two-way abilities, and it now appears that he'll receive the chance to do so in his hometown.

The soon-to-be 30-year-old was born in Anaheim, California and went to school at Cal-State Fullerton.

In college, Lorenzen pitched and played center field. On several occasions, the hulking hurler was given the opportunity in Cincinnati to play on the outfield grass.

Lorenzen is certainly athletic enough to play the outfield, and while it was always fun to see Mikey Biceps step into the batters' box, he hit just .233/.282/.429 in 147 plate appearances.

Lorenzen was in-line to be a starter for the Cincinnati Reds last season, but a shoulder injury in spring training shelved the right-hander for three months.

Rather than increase his workload, the team felt its best strategy was to move Lorenzen back to the bullpen.

Lorenzen returned by midseason, but while the running the base, suffered a hamstring injury.

However, with credit to Michael Lorenzen's terrific physical conditioning, he was able to rejoin the team after a brief stay on the 10-day IL.

Lorenzen finished his 2021 season with a 5.59 ERA and 21 punch outs over 29 innings of work.

Lorenzen was a tireless worker who put the team first and was a very likable member of the clubhouse.

I think I speak for all of Reds Country wishing Michael Lorenzen the best of luck with the Los Angeles Angels next season.