The Kansas City Royals acquired right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen from the Texas Rangers in exchange for left-handed reliever Walter Pennington. Lorenzen, who is 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA this season, provides depth for a Royals team currently holding the final AL wild-card spot. While Lorenzen has struggled recently, he has been effective against left-handed hitters and offers flexibility as both a starter and reliever. The Rangers, who are lagging in the AL West race, see this move as part of a broader strategy to manage their pitching staff amid numerous injuries. Pennington, who impressed at Triple-A Omaha with a 2.26 ERA, will join the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate. Lorenzen’s addition aims to bolster a Royals rotation that has seen significant workloads from its pitchers this season.