Kansas City Royals Top Sensation Reinstated From Injured List Amid Playoff Pursuit.

The Kansas City Royals are bolstering their pitching staff with the return of Michael Lorenzen, who has been out since late August due to a hamstring injury. Lorenzen will start tonight against the Washington Nationals after completing rehab assignments, where his pitch count was monitored. He will continue to follow pitch limitations in his final start of the season. To make room, the Royals have sent right-handed pitcher Steven Cruz to Triple-A Omaha. Additionally, Alec Marsh will shift to the bullpen, while relievers Hunter Harvey and James McArthur will remain sidelined for the rest of the season.

Lorenzen’s comeback is timely as the Royals are in a tight race for the second AL Wild Card spot, currently battling the Detroit Tigers. With a two-game lead in the standings, tonight’s game is crucial for their postseason hopes, and their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is four.

Before his injury, Lorenzen posted a 7-6 record with a 3.43 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 126 innings. He has been effective for the Royals since joining the team via a trade on July 29th, boasting a 1.85 ERA in that span. He also excelled in No Run First Innings (NRFI), going 18-5 in those situations this season. The Royals are aiming to secure their second win in the series against the Nationals, following a victory that ended a seven-game losing streak.