Cleveland Indians: 2 players who’ve justified team’s faith and 1 who hasn’t

Triston McKenzie

I hate to leave on a negative note, but this next name has to be the biggest disappointment for Tribe management and fans, alike. Starting pitcher Triston McKenzie looked the business in the 30-something frames he hurled in 2020. He came with much fanfare and showed his talent with the ease in which he made hitters look foolish. He has continued to, at times, make opposing batters look comical at the plate. Sadly, he has also proven himself to be the most chaotic arm in almost any rotation in baseball.

In 42 1/3 innings pitched in the Majors in 2021, McKenzie has racked up 49 Ks; good enough for a 12.5 K per 9IP ratio – impressive. However, at the same time he has walked 39 batters – almost one per inning – to lead the league. And he has only allowed 28 hits! Which is the most frustrating part of it all.

Without the deluge of free passes, McKenzie would be one of the best pitchers in baseball right now. But he cannot stop getting into three-ball counts and walking batters. Which puts his team in a precarious position to compete in ball games, and also puts undue pressure on the bullpen since he rarely lasts five innings due to high pitch count.

McKenzie still has plenty of time to rectify things and an opportunity to do it at the major league level given the emergency the Cleveland Indians are in when it comes to their rotation. Maybe come September, there will be an article devoted to the wonder that is the man they call ‘Sticks’. But, as of now, he represents the most disappointing player for the Indians this season. And that includes Yu Chang. Poor company, indeed.