“KC Royals Coach Matt Quatraro on Michael Lorenzen’s Shoulder Injury History: ‘He’s Had One…’ Sparks Intense Debate”

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro recently made a candid admission about pitcher Michael Lorenzen’s injury history, stating bluntly, “He’s had one…” when asked about Lorenzen’s shoulder. This brief but revealing comment has ignited a firestorm of discussion among Royals fans, baseball analysts, and social media communities, raising questions about Lorenzen’s durability and future performance.

The Shoulder Injury That Shaped Lorenzen’s Career

Michael Lorenzen’s shoulder issues are well-documented. He suffered a right shoulder strain in 2018 and again in 2021, which led to a lengthy stint on the injured list. In 2022, while with the Los Angeles Angels, Lorenzen was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain, later extended to 60 days, though MRI scans showed no structural damage. These injuries have intermittently sidelined him and affected his consistency as both a starter and reliever.

Quatraro’s Remark: A Warning or Just a Fact?

Quatraro’s statement, “He’s had one…,” was delivered without elaboration but carries weight given Lorenzen’s injury history. While it may simply acknowledge past setbacks, many interpret it as a subtle warning that Lorenzen’s shoulder remains a concern. This fuels debate on whether the Royals should manage his workload cautiously or expect him to return to form as a reliable rotation arm.

Lorenzen’s Resilience and Recent Performance

Despite his injury struggles, Lorenzen has shown flashes of brilliance. After bouncing between multiple teams, he re-signed with the Royals for the 2025 season and has demonstrated moments of dominance, including a strong finish last year with a 1.57 ERA over seven late-season appearances. However, his overall 2025 stats show inconsistency, with a 4.57 ERA and control issues reflected in high walk rates.

Fan and Analyst Reactions: Hope vs. Skepticism

The baseball community is divided:

• Optimists highlight Lorenzen’s talent and adaptability, believing he can overcome past injuries and contribute significantly.

• Skeptics worry that his shoulder history may limit his effectiveness and durability, especially as he approaches his mid-30s.

What This Means for the Royals

With Lorenzen positioned at the back end of the rotation, managing his health is critical for the Royals’ pitching depth. Quatraro’s acknowledgment of the shoulder injury history underscores the delicate balance between leveraging Lorenzen’s abilities and protecting him from further setbacks.