This former Reds pitcher could surprisingly be on the move at the MLB trade deadline

The Cincinnati Reds are in an awkward situation. The team is hovering just below .500, and yet, they're in the thick of the National League Wild Card chase. As of Thursday, Cincinnati is just 3.5 games back of the San Diego Padres in the playoff hunt.

Many fans are curious as to whether or not the Reds will be sellers, buyers, or just stand pat at the upcoming MLB trade deadline. With the impending return of Matt McLain, Cincinnati's approach the July 30th deadline is somewhat murky.

That same idea holds true for the defending World Series Champion Texas Rangers. Bruce Bochy's ball club, much like the Reds, have been dealing with innumerable injuries this season. Texas is virtually out of the AL Wild Card race, but have won seven of their last 10 games. The Rangers are 6.5 games behind the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners, leading some MLB experts to believe Texas will sell at the upcoming deadline. That could include former Reds pitcher Michael Lorenzen.

Former Reds pitcher Michael Lorenzen could surprisingly be on the move at the MLB trade deadline

Lorenzen signed a one-year deal with the Rangers this past offseason after an up-and-down year in 2023 split between the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies. Lorenzen was a trade deadline acquisition last summer and finds himself in a similar position this year.

Most Reds fans will remember Lorenzen as a starter turned reliever during his tenure in Cincinnati. Seeking an opportunity to become a starter once more, the hard-throwing right-hander left the Reds after the 2021 season and joined the Los Angeles Angels. Lorenzen was an All-Star with Detroit last season before being shipped to Philly at the deadline.

Though he struggled during his last start, on the season, Lorenzen is 5-5 with a 3.52 ERA and 65 punch outs in 92 innings of work. The former first-round pick has turned himself into a quality backend starter, and if Texas feels as if their window for contending this season has already closed, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Rangers flip Lorenzen at the deadline for a young prospect.

Despite the number of injuries the Cincinnati rotation has endured this season, don't expect the Reds to reunite with Lorenzen if he's made available. If the Reds plan to make any upgrades at the trade deadline, Nick Krall should focus on adding another bat to Cincinnati's lineup.

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