The Cleveland Guardians were faced with a significant blow when right-handed pitcher and MLBbro Triston McKenzie had to start the season on the injured list due to a shoulder injury. We were excited to see this brother go out and be electrifying on the mound to start the season. Well, we have to patiently wait until we get to see McKenzie back there on the mound.
A shoulder injury is no joke, especially as a pitcher. So, Cleveland wants to be cautious and not rush anything. Last week, the Guardians did receive some good news regarding its talented young pitcher.
McKenzie had the opportunity to do some throwing, and even though it wasn’t much, it definitely is a step in the right direction. Guardians’ manager Terry Francona spoke about McKenzie and how he’s dealing with the injury.
“Trust in the medical people, but also pushing to get better. And that’s kind of a fine line—I think Triston’s really handled it well. He keeps pushing and pushing and pushing,” Francona told a local Cleveland news station.
“Today he went out and played catch today for the first time. It was only I think 40 feet and it was 20 throws, but he’s doing a really good job—and because of that, he’s going to give himself the best chance to come back the healthiest he can be and the most productive.”
The Guardians placed McKenzie on the 60-day injured list, meaning we won’t see him possibly until the end of May. MLBbro.com’s Charles Nyonga had the opportunity to speak with McKenzie about his injury and how the rehab process has been.
Triston McKenzie can make an immediate impact once he returns
Last season, McKenzie set career-highs in wins (11), ERA (2.96), and strikeouts (190).
This MLBbro was a bright spot in Cleveland’s rotation last season and was a big help in the team’s postseason run.
There’s no question that Cleveland misses his presence on the mound. The American League Central will most likely be a battle between the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland. McKenzie has shown that he has what it takes to be that No. 1 guy and it’s evident that Cleveland sees a lot of potential in him.
The 25-year-old will have to ease his way back into his normal form, but when that does happen, opposing teams will be in for a rude awakening. Dr. Sticks was poised to make an impact at the start of the season for the Guardians, and there were talks of him potentially being in the running for the American League Cy Young award. It will be a wonderful sight to see once McKenzie is back on that mound and doing what he does best.
He brings a lot of energy and excitement to the game and the clubhouse needs him to provide that on and off the field. McKenzie has dealt with injuries throughout his career and that’s been a thorn in his side for sure. Hopefully he can get his health in order, so he won’t have to keep missing significant time and depriving the MLB world of his amazing talent.
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