Cleveland– The speculation is over as the Guardians designated Triston McKenzie for assignment on Monday. It was hard watching him pitch this season as he struggled heavily with his command. He carried an ERA of over 11 in just 5.2 innings pitched.
McKenzie hasn’t been at his peak form since 2022 however the hope was that he would work through whatever the issue was. He opted not to get surgery on his right elbow and whether the injury was the issue, or it was mental is not clear. What is clear is that he’s not the same pitcher. He dealt with a sprain to his right elbow in 2023. The Guardians patiently gave McKenzie time between the minors and bigs the past few years. He was a fan favorite, and it feels like everyone you talk with wanted to see him succeed in Cleveland.
Photo By Charles Murray
He struck out eight in six scoreless innings of Game 2 in the 2022 American League Wild Card Series helping the Guardians advance to the ALDS. Something about his demeanor, his presence on and off the field and his young talent made you want to root for him.
Triston McKenzie @CleGuardians is Box-Toppers Player of the Game in Saturday’s AL #WildCard Game 2 win vs. @RaysBaseball (6IP 2H 0R 2BB 8K ND). McKenzie had 15.7 B-T points in 2022, 6th among AL pitchers.
CLE wins series 2-0, advances to ALDS vs. @Yankees.https://t.co/HFqmlEXxQO pic.twitter.com/PwHofNo0In— Box-Toppers Baseball (@BoxToppers) October 8, 2022
Baseball is a funny game. One minute you’re on top and the next you can find yourself struggling. This may not be the end of the road for McKenzie, hopefully the 27-year-old finds himself on the mound pitching like he once did.
On Monday, the Guardians selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Zak Kent from triple-A. Kent will be making his debut at the major league level posting a 2.35 ERA in five relief appearances.
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