Michael Lorenzen threw his hands up in disbelief as the events unfolded before him. The Rangers’ right-hander had started the game with impressive performances, striking out the first two Blue Jays hitters with conviction. 

However, securing the final out of the first inning proved elusive and ultimately led to the Rangers’ downfall in their 7-3 defeat to the Blue Jays on Saturday.

Following two singles, Daulton Varsho came to bat with two outs. The Toronto center fielder, typically known for his strong pulls, made a decisive swing at an outside fastball, sending it into the left field bullpen at Rogers Centre for a three-run homer. 

Lorenzen was left stunned. Unfortunately for him, this was just the beginning of a hitting spree.

After Varsho’s home run, the Blue Jays continued to dominate offensively. Alejandro Kirk and Ernie Clement each added singles, and Lorenzen also allowed two walks. This prompted Rangers manager Bruce Bochy to pull him from the game after just 40 pitches and two-thirds of an inning.

“[I’m] pretty frustrated about it,” said Lorenzen. “You make adjustments, you work on stuff, you prepare as best as you can not to go throw two-thirds of an inning … It’s got to get better.”

Bochy saw Lorenzen’s gas tank empty near the end of the inning and knew it was time to make a change before his starter faced the Jays order a second time.

“I think I’ll say he’s not quite as sharp with his command,” Bochy said of Lorenzen, referencing his turbulent last few appearances. “[The Blue Jays] did get some hits, and he was starting to show some fatigue out there with the number of pitches.”

It’s been a rough ride for Lorenzen lately, who still looks like a bargain signing at one year, $4.5 million, despite a 6.97 ERA over his last five outings. Versatility will be the name of the game very soon for this pitching staff, and Lorenzen is a key candidate to slide into a swingman role once multiple injured starters return.