Triston McKenzie is probably the pitcher that Cleveland Guardians fans are following the most these days.
They know he finished 2024 with a 5.11 ERA in 75.2 MLB innings and was demoted to Triple-A because he couldn’t throw strikes.
However, they also know that he is capable of big things.
In 2022, for example, he posted a 2.96 ERA in 191.1 innings in a breakout season.
A UCL tear discovered in 2023 has slowed him down and reduced him to an average pitcher.
He trained hard in the offseason to regain his stuff, confidence and command.
A few days ago, McKenzie tossed two solid innings with just a hit and a run allowed, striking out one with no walks.
In his next outing, he was all over the place.
“McKenzie’s final line today: 0.2(IP) 1H 2R 2ER 5BB 0SO (39 Pitches 17 Strikes),” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
McKenzie's final line today:
– 0.2(IP) 1H 2R 2ER 5BB 0SO
(39 Pitches 17 Strikes) https://t.co/aPF2Kg1g7C
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) February 27, 2025
After averaging 91.1 mph with his four-seamer last year, the righty was in the 94-96 mph range, so it wasn’t all negative.
It’s clear that the work he put in during the offseason has resulted in more velocity, and that gives him more upside.
He won’t go anywhere if he can’t throw strikes, though.
Watching him hand out five walks in less than an inning is definitely a step back in his process of returning to relevancy.
The Guardians hope this is just a blip, but it does put more pressure on his shoulders for the next start.
Cleveland has plenty of talented pitchers ready to take the ball every five days and perform as members of the MLB rotation if McKenzie isn’t up for it.
The spot might be McKenzie’s to lose, but he just might if he can’t right the ship.
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