The Cleveland Guardians were forced, on June 30, to demote one of their most talented starters to the minor leagues.
They sent right-hander Triston McKenzie to Triple-A Columbus after allowing 12 earned runs and walking 11 hitters over his last three starts at the MLB level.
Back then, he took his ERA to a disappointing 5.11 in 75.2 innings.
The Guards had seen enough.
His first few starts in Columbus also saw him struggle to find the strike zone, just like he did in the majors.
However, it’s important to point out that even though his walks have still been a tad higher than what the team wants, McKenzie has made huge strides in his last two Triple-A starts and could be positioning himself for a nice run that results in a return to The Show.
“#Guardians RHP Triston McKenzie picked up his 2nd straight win for Columbus tonight, striking out three St. Paul batters and allowing two runs over 5.0 innings of work. McKenzie topped out at 94.6 mph. Line – 5.0(IP) 5H 2R 2ER 2BB 3SO (86 Pitches 54 Strikes). Last two starts: – 11.0(IP) 9H 2R 2ER 5BB 14SO 1.64 ERA,” Guardians Prospective tweeted.
#Guardians RHP Triston McKenzie picked up his 2nd straight win for Columbus tonight striking out three St. Paul batters allowing two runs over 5.0 innings of work. McKenzie topped out at 94.6 mph.
Line – 5.0(IP) 5H 2R 2ER 2BB 3SO (86 Pitches 54 Strikes)
Last two starts:
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) August 11, 2024
Triple-A is a difficult environment for pitchers, yet McKenzie seems to have found his footing after a few rough outings.
He had been so bad, even in Columbus, that his ERA down there is 4.82 in 28 frames despite dominating in his last two turns.
But McKenzie seems to be starting to limit the free passes while missing more bats and getting closer to peak velocity.
It’s fair to point out that the righty, who owns a solid 3.98 career ERA in MLB, is pitching with ligament damage in his elbow.
If he can keep pitching like he has in his two most recent games, he will find himself back in Cleveland soon.
The team needs him badly, but only if he is at the top of his game.
NEXT: The Savannah Bananas Take Two Guardians Legends Back To Cleveland
