Royals' Michael Lorenzen: Role not yet determined

Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said Monday that a determination hasn't been made whether Lorenzen will serve as a starter or reliever with his new team, Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star reports.

The Royals acquired Lorenzen from the Rangers earlier Monday, sending left-hander Walter Pennington to Texas in exchange for the righty. Lorenzen offers the flexibility to pitch out of the rotation and in the bullpen, and how the Royals choose to deploy him could depend on what other moves the Royals make prior to Tuesday's trade deadline. Eighteen of Lorenzen's 19 appearances with the Rangers in 2024 have been as a starter, with his lone relief appearance coming Sunday after Jon Gray (groin) was scratched from his start without throwing a pitch.