McKenzie Goes Down
On Saturday, the Cleveland Guardians placed starting pitcher Triston McKenzie on the 15-day IL with a right elbow injury. McKenzie started the season on the 60-day IL with a right teres major strain and has only made two starts all season. The extent of the injury, as well as how much time he will miss because of it, is uncertain. Last season, McKenzie went 11–11 with a 2.96 ERA in a very good third season. He also recorded 190 strikeouts in 191 innings, letting the league know the youngster’s got a wicked arm.
Cleveland’s Rotation
The pitching staff has been riddled with injuries during the first three months of the 2023 campaign. Triston McKenzie, Cal Quantril, Peyton Battenfield, and Aaron Civale have all spent their fair share on the IL. Tanner Bibee and Logan Allen have both been important rotation pieces throughout the team’s pitching injuries. The rotation is still up in the air with Zach Plesac being designated for assignment and with Shane Bieber’s future with the team up in the air.
Where the Guardians Stand
The Guardians are in contention to win the AL Central, only 2.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins. Cleveland’s rotation will play a vital role in their team’s success for the rest of the season. Trading ace Shane Bieber could bring in much-needed batting help. But is that a good move to make considering the constant injuries to the team’s rotation? Bieber still has a year and a half on his contract, and Cleveland controls the contract. Cleveland has a legitimate opportunity to surprise the league with their ability to rattle off runs out of nowhere. If the pitching situation is well managed and guys can step up, this team can succeed. The Guardians should do whatever it takes to win the AL Central, even if that means trading Bieber.
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