4 months agoThe Cleveland Guardians and pitcher
Triston McKenzie avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a $1.95 million deal for one year. McKenzie was the 42nd overall pick in the 2015 Draft, but after peaking with a 2.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and a 19.7% K-BB% in 2022, the last two seasons have been marred by injury and underperformance, culminating with his demotion to the minors in late June. Things didn't go well there either, posting a 5.23 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, and a 9.7% K-BB% over 53 1/3 IP. The Guardians need rotation help though and McKenzie is still only 27 years old, so if he can return to some semblance of his former self, then he could help Cleveland and fantasy managers. Keep an eye on how his spring goes to see if he appears to be headed in the right direction.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: Robert Murray
9 months agoCleveland Guardians starting pitcher
Triston McKenzie has been optioned to Triple-A on Sunday. This news shouldn't shock anyone considering how poorly McKenzie has pitched lately. McKenzie has allowed 12 earned runs and issued 11 walks over his last three starts. This season, McKenzie holds a 5.11 ERA through 16 starts with the Guardians. The potential is certainly there for McKenzie but he still needs to work through some mechanical issues in the minor leagues. In a corresponding move, right-hander
Gavin Williams has been reinstated from the injured list.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Mandy Bell
1 year agoCleveland Guardians starting pitcher
Triston McKenzie took the loss on Monday, getting smacked around for five runs (four earned) on four hits and two walks with only two strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings. McKenzie struggled in this game, as he needed about 80 pitches to get into the fourth inning. McKenzie would end up being done in by
Dominic Canzone's three-run homer in the second inning. McKenzie is in line for another start later this week against the Twins. Start him at your own risk, as McKenzie could struggle again against an excellent Twins lineup tied for the most home runs as a team in 2023.
--Matthew McLaughlinSource: MLB.com
1 year agoCleveland Guardians right-hander
Triston McKenzie (elbow, shoulder) missed most of the 2023 season due to elbow and shoulder injuries that dated back to spring training. McKenzie had a right teres-major strain in his shoulder to begin the year and made two starts in June before going on the injured list with a right-elbow strain. He returned to make two starts at the end of September. The 26-year-old said has had a more gradual buildup to the 2024 season and is feeling great heading into spring training. Given the fact that McKenzie had a sharp 2.96 ERA in 30 starts in 2022, he'll be a worthwhile buy-low option for fantasy managers this spring, albeit one that comes with some injury risk and an innings limit.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Cleveland 19 - Leah Doherty
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