Triston McKenzie has handed via waivers unclaimed. He has accepted his outright task to Triple-A Columbus. Tim Stebbins of MLB.com was amongst these to move alongside the information.
Cleveland designated McKenzie for task final week. That the right-hander cleared waivers factors to how far his inventory has fallen as he’s battled accidents over the previous couple seasons. McKenzie is a former prime prospect who appeared to interrupt out as a high-end starter in 2022. He posted a 2.96 ERA with practically a strikeout per inning over 31 appearances three years in the past. He appeared to be a mid-rotation arm on the very least with an opportunity to develop right into a #1 or #2 starter.
Clearly, that’s not how issues have performed out. McKenzie barely pitched in 2023. A teres main pressure in his shoulder shelved him for a pair months to start the season. He returned in June however rapidly suffered a UCL sprain in his throwing elbow. McKenzie prevented surgical procedure however didn’t return till the ultimate week of the season.
Hopes for a rebound final 12 months didn’t materialize. McKenzie’s fastball velocity dropped to a career-low 91.1 MPH. Opponents blitzed him for a 5.11 ERA throughout 16 begins, and he spent the second half of the season on elective task to Columbus. The outcomes weren’t any higher within the minors, as he allowed 5.23 earned runs per 9 whereas strolling virtually 14% of his opponents. That was his last minor league possibility season.
Cleveland signed him to a $1.95MM arbitration contract in November. That indicated they’d some hope that he might flip issues round, as his out-of-options standing meant he’d want to stay on the lively roster or be uncovered to waivers. He labored out of the bullpen via the season’s first few weeks. McKenzie’s common fastball pace has jumped nearer to 94 MPH in brief stints, however neither the command nor the outcomes had been there. He allowed seven runs on as many hits via 5 1/3 innings. He walked seven batters and threw three wild pitches whereas recording simply 4 strikeouts.
McKenzie has between three and 5 years of main league service time. Meaning he might decline an outright task however would have wanted to forfeit the approximate $1.6MM remaining on his wage to check free company. The 29 different groups all handed on an opportunity so as to add him to their large league roster, suggesting he most likely would’ve been restricted to minor league provides if he hit the market. That made accepting the task to Columbus an apparent name. He’ll attempt to work his means again onto Stephen Vogt’s employees and would turn out to be a minor league free agent on the finish of the season if the Guards don’t name him up earlier than then.
