Lorenzen Lands on IL with Oblique Injury

Royals Lose Key Pitcher michael Lorenzen to injury

The Kansas City Royals have placed veteran right-hander michael Lorenzen on the 15-day injured list due to a left oblique strain, a important blow for the team as they head into the second half of the season. the move, retroactive to Friday, means Lorenzen will be sidelined for at least two weeks, impacting the team’s pitching rotation.

Lorenzen, 33, was last seen on the mound on July 6th, delivering a stellar performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In that outing, he pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and showcasing his dominant form. This injury puts a damper on his solid season thus far,where he has posted a 5-8 record with a 4.61 ERA in 18 starts.

Throughout his eleven-year MLB career, Lorenzen has proven to be a versatile and reliable pitcher. He has played for six different teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, and currently, the Kansas City Royals.His career statistics reflect his consistency, with a 52-52 record and a 4.06 ERA over 386 appearances, including 111 starts.

The loss of Lorenzen highlights the inherent challenges of managing a pitching staff. oblique strains, while common in baseball due to the rotational forces involved in pitching, can be notoriously tricky to recover from, frequently enough requiring careful rehabilitation to prevent re-injury.For teams like the Royals, who are often in a rebuilding or developmental phase, the injury of an experienced player like Lorenzen underscores the importance of depth within the organization.

A corresponding roster move is expected later this week to fill Lorenzen’s spot on the active roster. The Royals are set to resume their season after the All-Star break on Friday, facing the Miami Marlins on the road. The team will need to adjust its pitching strategy and rely on other members of the rotation to step up during Lorenzen’s absence. This period will be a crucial test of the Royals’ pitching depth and their ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, a common theme in the long and demanding MLB season.

What is the typical recovery timeline for a Grade 2 oblique strain in a baseball player?

Detroit Tigers Pitcher Faces Recovery Timeline

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen has been placed on the 15-day injured list (IL) with a Grade 2 oblique strain, the team announced today, July 15, 2025. The injury occured during his start against the Kansas City Royals on July 14th, forcing him to exit the game in the fourth inning. This is a meaningful blow to the Tigers’ pitching rotation as they navigate a competitive AL central division.

Understanding Oblique injuries in Baseball

Oblique injuries are common among baseball players, particularly pitchers adn hitters, due to the rotational forces involved in throwing and swinging.

What is an Oblique Strain? An oblique strain refers to a tear in the abdominal muscles located on the sides of the torso. These muscles are crucial for trunk rotation, stability, and power transfer.

Grading the Severity: Oblique strains are graded from 1 to 3, with Grade 1 being a mild stretch, Grade 2 a partial tear, and Grade 3 a complete tear. Lorenzen’s Grade 2 strain indicates a moderate injury requiring a careful rehabilitation process.

Common Symptoms: Players experiencing an oblique strain typically report:

Sharp pain in the side or abdomen.

Pain that worsens with twisting,bending,or coughing.

Muscle tenderness to the touch.

Difficulty with rotational movements.

Impact on the Tigers’ Rotation

Lorenzen’s absence creates a ripple effect within the Tigers’ pitching staff. He was acquired via trade from the Philadelphia Phillies earlier in the season and had been a reliable starter, posting a 3.58 ERA in 16 starts.

Rotation Adjustments: The Tigers will likely turn to Tarik Skubal and Kenta Maeda to anchor the rotation, with opportunities for pitchers like Matt Manning and Casey Mize to step up.

Prospect Call-Ups: There’s a possibility the Tigers may consider calling up a pitching prospect from Triple-A Toledo to fill the void.

Bullpen Strain: Increased reliance on the bullpen is expected, possibly impacting reliever workloads.

Recovery Timeline and Rehabilitation Process

A Grade 2 oblique strain typically requires a recovery period of 4-6 weeks, though this can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the tear.

Phase 1 (Initial Phase – Week 1-2): Focuses on pain and inflammation management. This includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Gentle range-of-motion exercises may be introduced.

Phase 2 (Strengthening Phase – Week 2-4): Gradual introduction of strengthening exercises targeting the abdominal muscles, core, and back. Emphasis on controlled movements and avoiding activities that exacerbate pain.

Phase 3 (Return to Throwing – Week 4-6+): Progressive throwing program, starting with short-toss and gradually increasing distance and intensity. Monitoring for any recurrence of pain is crucial.

Return to Play Criteria: Before returning to the active roster, Lorenzen will need to demonstrate:

Full range of motion without pain.

Normal strength and endurance in the abdominal muscles.

Ability to throw at full intensity without discomfort.

Recent Similar Cases in MLB

Several MLB pitchers have suffered oblique injuries in recent seasons, providing insights into recovery timelines and potential challenges.

Shohei Ohtani (2023): Ohtani missed a significant portion of the 2023 season with an oblique strain, highlighting the potential for setbacks during rehabilitation.

jacob deGrom (2022): DeGrom’s oblique injury contributed to a shortened season and raised concerns about long-term durability.

Lance Lynn (2024): Lynn experienced a similar oblique strain, returning after approximately 6 weeks of rehab.

These cases underscore the importance of a conservative approach to recovery and a thorough rehabilitation program to minimize the risk of re-injury. The Tigers will undoubtedly be cautious with Lorenzen’s return,prioritizing his long-term health over a quick return to the mound.

Preventing Oblique Injuries: Training and Conditioning

Proactive measures can help reduce the risk of oblique strains for baseball players.

Core Strengthening: Regular core exercises, including planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball rotations, are essential for building abdominal strength and stability.

Rotational Power Training: Exercises that mimic the rotational movements of throwing and hitting, such as wood chops and cable rotations, can improve power transfer and reduce strain on the oblique muscles.

Proper Warm-Up: A thorough warm-up routine that includes dynamic stretching and activation of the core muscles is crucial before any baseball activity.

flexibility and Mobility: Maintaining adequate flexibility in the hips, trunk, and shoulders can improve range of motion and reduce the risk of injury.

* Listen to Your body: Players should be encouraged to report any pain or discomfort to the training staff instantly. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to more serious injuries.