Royals' Michael Lorenzen: Earns win in second rehab start

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Lorenzen (oblique) struck out four batters and allowed three earned runs on seven hits and three walks over 5.2 innings Sunday in a rehab start with Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

Lorenzen looks ready to return from the 15-day injured list after completing his second rehab start, during which he built up to 85 pitches. Before landing on the injured list July 14 due to an oblique strain, the right-hander posted a 4.61 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over 99.2 innings. While Cole Ragans (shoulder) likely remains week away from coming off the IL, Lorenzen's upcoming return means that Kansas City will have only two rotation spots available for him and trade-deadline pickups Bailey Falter and Ryan Bergert. Though Bergert has pitched well over his first two outings with Kansas City, he has minor-league options remaining, which could put him at the most risk of losing his starting spot once Lorenzen is activated. Lorenzen could make his return to the big club as soon as this weekend's series versus the White Sox.