(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
On Thursday, Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Lorenzen took his record to 5-6 after earning the win in his start against the Kansas City Royals.
He conceded just three hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings, striking out three batters in the process.
With the impressive outing, Lorenzen is now the owner of the longest active scoreless streak by any pitcher in MLB today.
“Fun Fact Friday: Michael Lorenzen currently owns the longest active scoreless streak in MLB. He’s been dominant for 21.2 consecutive innings,” Bally Sports Detroit tweeted.
Fun Fact Friday
Michael Lorenzen currently owns the longest active scoreless streak in MLB. He’s been dominant for 21.2 consecutive innings. #RepDetroit pic.twitter.com/BaglW365GA
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) July 21, 2023
A 21.2-inning scoreless streak is very significant.
The 2023 season has definitely not gone as the Tigers might have wanted, as they are 44-52.
Still, it’s much better than their recent past and it has them just five games removed from first place in the division.
The million dollar question is: Do the Tigers, as currently constructed, have what it takes to challenge for the AL Central division with the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians?
The answer is probably no.
Going for it and trading future assets for a chance (a tiny one) to compete this year would be a mistake.
If they decide to sell instead, Lorenzen could net them a few quality prospects.
Pitching is always at a premium, especially near the deadline, and Lorenzen has a 3.49 ERA in 100.2 innings.
He also owns a 4.01 career mark.
He is certainly no ace, but Lorenzen has what it takes to help a contender’s rotation as a mid-to-backend starting pitcher.
Will Detroit trade him?
It remains to be seen but a lot will depend on what happens in the next week.
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