LORENZEN LANDS IN PHILADELPHIA
The Philadelphia Phillies acquired pitcher Michael Lorenzen from the Detroit Tigers for infielder Hao Yu Lee.
What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
Lorenzen was an All-Star this season for the first time in his career breakout campaign. He has spent the entire season as a starter, so he could presumably slide into the rotation in place of Cristopher Sanchez. If the Phillies want to keep Sanchez in the rotation, Lorenzen could become the sixth starter or a swingman (pitching out of the bullpen and making spot starts). He gives Philadelphia plenty of options down the stretch.
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
Lee signed out of Taiwan in 2021, and has the chance to become a very good hitter. He is known more as a contact hitter with an advanced approach that limits strikeouts. Defensively, he looks best suited for second base–which is a position that is a glaring hole for the Tigers at present time. Patience will be required though, as Lee is still very young and has just reached high Single-A ball this season.
Fantasy impact
If Lorenzen ends up in the bullpen, his impact will decrease. If he stays in the Philly rotation, there is every reason to believe he can continue to enjoy a strong fantasy season. That said, Philadelphia's ball park is more hitter-friendly than Detroit's. Lee is too far away from the big leagues, but he may be a keeper.
