The Cleveland Guardians have already lost ace Shane Bieber for the season with a torn UCL that required Tommy John surgery.
They are also without young starter Gavin Williams, although he is expected to return relatively soon.
And let’s not forget that right-hander Triston McKenzie has his own injury issues to deal with, a reality that was reminded to Guards fans by team insiders Jason Lloyd and Zack Meisel this week.
“Cleveland #Guardians RHP Triston McKenzie is pitching with a torn ligament in his right elbow. McKenzie opted against surgery last year deciding to go with rehab instead. First reported by @ByJasonLloyd & @ZackMeisel,” Guardians Prospective tweeted.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Triston McKenzie is pitching with a torn ligament in his right elbow. McKenzie opted against surgery last year deciding to go with rehab instead.
First reported by @ByJasonLloyd & @ZackMeisel
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) April 18, 2024
While this has been the case since last year, the two reporters talked to McKenzie at length about the injury concerns.
Opting against surgery was certainly a curious approach, and he confessed to the reporters that he is still questioning whether he made the right decision.
He also insisted he feels no pain.
However, he is averaging 90.9 mph with his fastball this year, down from 92.4 mph in 2023 and 92.5 mph in 2022.
It’s clear he has lost some fastball velocity, and one has to wonder if the decision he made was the right one.
It’s understandable, though: losing a year-and-a-half of one’s prime shouldn’t be taken lightly.
But the numbers, or the velocity, just haven’t been there for McKenzie.
The righty has a 6.23 ERA in 13 innings so far.
Will he make it through the whole season in one piece?
It’s certainly a concerning situation for a team already affected by pitching injuries as it is.
NEXT: Guardians Continue Hot Streak With Yet Another Series Win
