Triston “Dr. Sticks” McKenzie has all the tools to be one of the best pitchers in baseball. This season, he will have to figure out how to do that from the bullpen. McKenzie was the 42nd overall pick in the 2015 Major League Baseball draft by the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians).
McKenzie has made two appearances in the Guardians’ first eight games this season and has a pair of no-decisions. Two scoreless innings in San Diego on March 31 were impressive and the hope is that those types of outings will continue for him.
The Trials and Tribulation of Talented Triston McKenzie
McKenzie has risen up the ladder in the organization and has shown impressive signs along the way. In 2017, he posted a 12-6 record with an ERA of 3.46 for single A affiliate Lynchburg.
His 186 strikeouts were a big reason why he was selected to pitch in the All-Star Futures game that season. He faced just one batter in that game and retired Ron Acuna junior on a flyball to center field. McKenzie would make his Major League debut on August 22, 2020, as the starter and winner against the Detroit Tigers in which he struck out 10 batters over six innings. From there, he would show flashes of brilliance, while battling injuries and inconsistency.
McKenzie has made 80 starts in his big league career and was battling to be the fifth starter during spring training.
“I think the biggest thing is just going out there and being competitive with all my pitches,” McKenzie told MLBbro.com about his approach after his last spring training start. “I’ve got to let guys get themselves out and let my guys behind me make plays,” he added.
Triston McKenzie Begins 2025 Season In Bullpen
Shortly before the Guardians broke camp McKenzie was told he would be working out of the bullpen to begin the season. Now in his 11th season of pro ball, the number of starts McKenzie has in the minors (79), is very close to the total he has in the majors.
“There’s nothing that matches it,” he spoke about the internal energy that you have when you are on a big league mound. “It’s exhilarating knowing that you’re playing for something at the end of the year with a possibility to win everything” McKenzie stated. The 27-year-old has appeared in three postseason games.
McKenzie grew up in Florida where there are plenty of outdoor activities to participate in, but he tends to spend time away from the diamond indoors.
“I’m playing a very large amount of video games these days” the righthander tells MLBbro.com. “I like to listen to music and hang out with my family, but video games are my number one thing” he concluded.
