Blue Jays quietly sign ex-Phillies All-Star pitcher recently released by Rockies

The Toronto Blue Jays have quietly signed a right-handed starting pitcher who earned an All-Star selection in 2023. 

The Colorado Rockies recently released the 12-year veteran after he posted an ugly 7.08 ERA with a Major League-high 168 hits allowed in 25 starts. 

MLB.com's Keegan Matheson reported on Thursday that Michael Lorenzen has signed a Major League contract with the Blue Jays. 

"Michael Lorenzen has a locker in the #BlueJays’ clubhouse today," Matheson wrote on X. "Lorenzen was recently released by the Rockies." 

Matheson reports that Lorenzen, 34, has a locker in Toronto's clubhouse.

Before today, there were no reports that the Blue Jays were interested in the right-hander, who signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Rockies during the offseason. 

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"Although this year has been one to forget for Lorenzen, the former two-way player has a generally solid track record as a back-of-the-rotation starter. From 2022-25, he combined for 522 2/3 innings of 4.10 ERA ball between the Angels, Tigers, Phillies, Rangers and Royals," Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors wrote. 

Toronto's rotation has been hit hard by injuries in 2026, and Shane Bieber recently hit the injured list due to shoulder inflammation. 

If the Blue Jays advance to the postseason, their top two starters would almost undoubtedly be Dylan Cease and Jose Soriano. 

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