Free-agent starting pitcher Kyle Lohse threw for teams at UC Irvine this past Thursday, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, and is reportedly coveted by multiple clubs following that session.
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Rangers, Angels Among Teams Interested in Lohse
Saturday, May 7
Heyman had the inside information on Texas and Los Angeles—and indicated there may be other clubs who want to acquire the 37-year-old pitcher.
Lohse last played for the Milwaukee Brewers last season and had a rough go on the mound, posting a 5-13 record with a 5.85 ERA in 37 appearances, which consisted of only 22 starts as he was moved to the bullpen.
The two years before, though, Lohse built on a strong finish to his time with the St. Louis Cardinals and continued to function as a solid MLB starter. His last season in St. Louis was his peak—he posted a 16-3 record with a 2.86 ERA.
Although his 2015 campaign is discouraging, Lohse has to feel good about his outlook in light of the fact multiple teams are at least considering him after one workout. On the other hand, Heyman reported on a showcase Lohse put on in March, which didn’t result in getting signed.
Lackluster pitching has often been an undeniable shortcoming for the Rangers in recent years. They did improve from last to tied for 17th in quality starts from 2014 to 2015 and were tied for second in that category in all of baseball entering Saturday’s games.
Any team looking for pitching help, whether it be as an extra arm in the bullpen or a No. 5 starter, could do far worse than adding Lohse. He’s posted seven double-digit win seasons in his career, including three in a row before a rough 2015.
Other than former San Francisco Giants star Tim Lincecum, there aren’t many better, more proven options on the open market than Lohse at the moment.
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