McKenzie allowed three runs on three hits, four walks and a wild pitch Saturday while striking out three over 1.2 innings in a 10-4 loss to the Angels.
Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt hoped the right-hander could provide some length after starter Tanner Bibee was chased with none out in the fifth inning, but McKenzie did nothing to quiet the Angels. The Guardians have been waiting for the 27-year-old to rediscover his 2022 form (2.96 ERA as a starter), but to no avail. He was moved to the bullpen after a rocky Cactus League season in which he allowed 10 runs, 15 hits and eight walks over 13 innings.
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Guardians' Triston McKenzie: Shifting to bullpen
Rotowire
The Guardians announced Sunday that McKenzie will begin the season operating as a reliever, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.
The right-hander had a 7.50 ERA and 10:7 K:BB over 12 innings during spring training, while Logan Allen's 1.89 ERA helped him earn a rotation spot. McKenzie could still see some spot starts this year, but he'll likely need to perform better than his 5.11 ERA over 75.2 regular-season innings in 2024 to get an extended look in the rotation.
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Guardians' Triston McKenzie: Throws in relief
Rotowire
McKenzie walked two, hit a batter and struck out two over one scoreless inning of relief in Friday's spring game against the Giants.
McKenzie, who made three Cactus League starts prior to Friday's relief appearance, managed to avoid damage despite loading the bases. He entered camp as one of several options competing for a spot in the rotation, but the right-hander's 8.18 ERA and location issues seemingly have the Guardians moving him to the bullpen.
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Guardians' Triston McKenzie: Rocky spring continues
Rotowire
McKenzie allowed four runs on six hits while striking out four over 4.2 innings in Saturday's spring start against Kansas City.
McKenzie gave up a lot of loud contact, including two home runs, and did nothing to enhance his bid for the final spot in the rotation during his fourth Cactus League start. The right-hander has allowed 10 runs (8.18 ERA) on 15 hits and five walks with eight strikeouts over 11 spring innings. The one thing going for McKenzie is that he's out of minor-league options. Logan Allen (1.88 ERA, 14.1 spring innings) and Joey Cantillo (7.45, 9.2 IP) are also in the mix for the final rotation spot, but each has options remaining.
McKenzie allowed two runs on seven hits while striking out three over 3.2 innings in Monday's Cactus League start against the Cubs.
There was a lot of traffic during McKenzie's third Cactus League start, but Monday's mixed-result effort was much better than his previous outing. The right-hander walked five and retired just two of seven batters during his second spring start 12 days ago. The seven hits suggest command was inconsistent, but McKenzie amassed 13 whiffs among his 60 offerings, indicating he can be effective when locating. The improvement from his second spring outing keeps him alive in the battle for a spot in the rotation. He was among the five starters in the projected Opening Day roster compiled by Mandy Bell and Tim Stebbins of MLB.com.
Guardians' Triston McKenzie: Cedes homer in spring debut
Rotowire
McKenzie allowed one run on one hit and struck out one over two innings in Saturday's spring game against the Reds.
McKenzie is looking to turn the page on a disappointing 2024, when he finished the season at Triple-A Columbus. He mainly used his four-seamer, which was noticeably faster than the 91.1 mph it averaged last season, and gave up a lot of hard contact, including a first-inning home run to Elly De La Cruz. It was an efficient outing for the right-hander, who got several quick outs during his first Cactus League outing.
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Guardians' Triston McKenzie: Starting spring opener
Rotowire
McKenzie will start Saturday's spring opener against the Reds, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports.
It will be a big moment for McKenzie, who teased the Guardians with a strong 2022 before injuries, including an elbow issue, limited him to four starts the following season. He was able to avoid Tommy John surgery but spent the second half of 2024 in the minors. Reports on his bullpen and live BP sessions on the back fields track his fastball velocity up to 95 mph, which is higher than the 92.5 mph he posted during the healthy 2022 campaign. The right-hander is one of several starters competing for a job behind ace Tanner Bibee.
McKenzie agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.95 million contract with the Guardians on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.
McKenzie spent the first half of 2024 with the Guardians, posting a 5.11 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across 75.2 innings (16 starts). He continued to struggle to the tune of a 5.23 ERA after being demoted to Triple-A Columbus in June. Despite his poor performance, the 27-year-old righty will receive a $350,000 raise in 2025, but he should remain off fantasy managers' radar until he's able to regain command over his pitches.
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