Cleveland Guardians Designate Former Ace Triston McKenzie for Assignment After Struggles
CLEVELAND, OH — The Cleveland Guardians made a tough roster decision Monday, designating right-handed pitcher Triston McKenzie for assignment following a string of injuries and poor performances. The move marks a significant fall for the 27-year-old, once viewed as a future cornerstone of the team’s rotation.
McKenzie, a first-round pick in 2015, showed flashes of brilliance in 2022, posting an 11-11 record with a stellar 2.96 ERA and 190 strikeouts. His standout season earned him two postseason starts and cemented his status as a fan favorite. But since then, injuries and inconsistency have derailed his career.
A Career Derailed by Injuries
Over the past two seasons, McKenzie struggled to stay on the mound. He spent three months in 2023 with a right shoulder strain, then missed another three months last year with an elbow sprain. When healthy, his performance dipped—he went 3-8 with a 5.11 ERA in that span.
This season, the Guardians moved him to the bullpen, but the results were disastrous. In four appearances, McKenzie posted an 11.12 ERA, culminating in a rough outing on April 16 in Baltimore, where he allowed four runs in just one inning. He hasn’t pitched since.
“It was really difficult to find innings for Triston, and that’s what led to the decision,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “It was tough because of his history here.”
What’s Next for McKenzie?
The Guardians now have seven days to either trade McKenzie or place him on waivers. If he clears waivers, he could remain in Cleveland’s minor league system. Right-hander Zak Kent was called up from Triple-A Columbus to take McKenzie’s spot on the roster ahead of the team’s series against the New York Yankees.
“We wish Triston well, regardless of if he gets claimed or stays with us,” Vogt said.
Vogt Stands by Clase Amid Struggles
While McKenzie’s future is uncertain, Vogt made it clear that another struggling pitcher, closer Emmanuel Clase, still has his full confidence. Clase, a three-time All-Star and two-time Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year, has uncharacteristically struggled this season, allowing nine runs and 20 hits in just 10 1/3 innings.
Despite blowing his second save in six chances Sunday in Pittsburgh, Vogt dismissed any notion of replacing him.
“I haven’t even had the thought,” Vogt said. “He’s getting hit, he’s leaving the ball down the middle, and there are things he needs to work on. But Emmanuel Clase is going to get the ball in the ninth inning when he’s available.”
Clase led the league in saves each of the last three years and posted a jaw-dropping 0.61 ERA in 2023. His early-season struggles are puzzling, but the Guardians are betting on a quick turnaround.
A Pivotal Moment for Cleveland’s Pitching Staff
McKenzie’s departure signals a shift for the Guardians, who once saw him as a potential ace. His decline underscores the volatility of pitching careers, where injuries can derail even the most promising talent. Meanwhile, the team’s faith in Clase suggests they believe his struggles are temporary.
As Cleveland moves forward, fans will watch closely to see if McKenzie gets another shot—either with the Guardians or elsewhere—and whether Clase can regain his dominant form.
— Reported by Nexio News
