Triston McKenzie Has Looked Like An Ace In July

With the second half upon us already, it’s time to start thinking about the stretch run and who will reach the postseason in 2022.

For the Cleveland Guardians, the path to the postseason is not a difficult one.

They sit three games back of first place in a very winnable AL Central division.

One of the major keys to their success this season has been the emergence of right-hander Triston McKenzie, who has been on a tear this month.

Talkin’ Baseball, a baseball fan page on Twitter posted some of McKenzie’s stats for the month of July.

A couple things that stick out are his 0.34 ERA in four starts, 27 strikeouts, and one earned run in a total of 26.2 innings.

Triston McKenzie in 4 starts this month 🔥

26.2 IP, 1 ER, 13 H, 27 SO, 8 BB, 0.34 ERA pic.twitter.com/g3scrPsulH

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 23, 2022

McKenzie’s July Success

McKenzie has been a key to the success of the Guardians rotation.

He has been pitching like an ace in the month of July and has helped form a solid one-two punch next to Shane Bieber.

McKenzie owns a record of 7-6 on the season with an ERA of 3.11 in 18 appearances and 17 starts.

Though he did not earn a decision in Saturday’s 7-4 win over the Chicago White Sox in the first game of a day-night doubleheader, he still turned in a strong performance, going 5.2 innings and allowing just one run on four hits while striking out four batters.

Beyond Bieber, McKenzie has given the Guardians rotation a big boost this season, especially in the month of July.

The trade deadline is approaching, and the Guardians would be wise to add another starter to give themselves a nice big three in the rotation, which already consists of Bieber and McKenzie, who have turned in solid seasons to date.