The Cleveland Guardians are running out of fully healthy starters.
First, Gavin Williams went down in spring training with an elbow issue.
He is expected to return soon(ish), but Shane Bieber was diagnosed with damage in his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and underwent Tommy John surgery.
He is lost for the year.
Now, Guardians insiders Jason Lloyd and Zack Meisel are reminding fans that Triston McKenzie has ligament damage, too.
In an interview with him, the pitcher said that even though he opted against surgery last year, that option is still in the back of his head even though he doesn’t really feel pain.
“Triston McKenzie is trying to pitch with a torn ligament in his elbow. The results so far aren’t great. Why didn’t he have surgery last year? Where is the tear? Did he make the right call? McKenzie spoke with @ZackMeisel and myself about … a lot,” Lloyd tweeted.
He hasn’t experienced discomfort, but he is throwing almost 3 mph slower than last year on his fastball.
The slider remains a quality pitch, but his heater is getting punished.
Is it time to go under the knife?
What do fans say about the situation?
Most of them are convinced he should go under the knife, or that it feels inevitable at this point.
Would love to know how many pitchers avoid TJ by resting/rehabbing ? Im guessing very few ..have to question the medical staff and organization on this one..
— Jim Ferenchak (@jman963) April 18, 2024
Considering his velo is down around 4-5 mph…
— Joey Mansky (@manskyjoey) April 18, 2024
Many were saying he would have a blown tire by the end of April. This is not surprising
— jeff allen (@jeffall32595731) April 18, 2024
Some supporters may be suggesting renewed studies on his elbow in order to re-visit the situation.
Is the elbow ligament still torn? Or did it heal in the offseason? To me that is the most important question.
— Joseph Albert (@Stonewall1117) April 18, 2024
The fact remains that McKenzie is just not fooling anyone by throwing 90 mph.
It might be time to address the situation: the Guards can’t have a 6.23 ERA starting games every five days.
NEXT: Triston McKenzie Continues To Deal With A Serious Ailment
