Cleveland Guardians right-hander Triston McKenzie is pitching with a torn ligament in his right elbow.
This information became public last year, but the pitcher opted to rest and rehab his injury rather than going under the knife.
The strategy, while bold, allowed him to open the year in the Guardians rotation.
After three starts, however, his ERA sat at 6.23 and everybody was wondering whether he made the right decision.
After another solid outing on Saturday night, however, the talented righty lowered his season ERA to a solid 3.54 and keeps improving.
In fact, his last five starts have been elite.
“Cleveland #Guardians RHP Triston McKenzie last 5 starts: – 27.2(IP) 21H 8R 7ER 12BB 30SO 2.28 ERA,” Guardians Prospective tweeted.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Triston McKenzie last 5 starts:
– 27.2(IP) 21H 8R 7ER 12BB 30SO 2.28 ERA#ForTheLand
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) May 12, 2024
McKenzie rarely goes seven or even six innings, but he is a near lock to be effective for as long as he pitches.
That 2.28 ERA over his last five games proves it.
He also appears to have recovered his ability to strike people out.
In his first three starts, he had only gotten five strikeouts in 13 innings.
However, he has 30 punchouts in his last five outings, which is more indicative of his talent.
The Guardians offense might have hit a wall, but the pitching remains as good as ever and McKenzie feeling healthy and well has a lot to do with that.
If he is feeling close to 100 percent, he has the potential of being the staff ace in Shane Bieber’s absence.
He is that good: all he needs is his elbow to hold up.
NEXT: Guardians Are In Danger Of Being Swept By Worst Team In AL
