Cleveland Indians: 2 internal pitchers best fit to complete a healthy rotation

Triston McKenzie, SP, Cleveland Indians

The fact that Triston McKenzie is one of the two best options to fill the rest of the starting rotation should show how desperate the team is for help in the rotation. However, McKenzie has been able to flash his potential while his 2020 campaign might be the deciding factor.

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Over eight appearances, six of which were starts, in 2020 McKenzie was able to maintain a solid ERA of 3.24. However, this year that number has jumped to 5.47. Most of that is due to his walks skyrocketing. The good news is that when the walks are under control he’s been effective.

Take for example his last start before the All-Star break. McKenzie tossed a season-high seven innings, throwing 85 pitches. He allowed just one hit and one walk to the Kansas City Royals while striking out nine.

McKenzie has also been able to toss two five-inning shutout starts this year. The potential is there, it’s just the consistency that isn’t. Given what the Tribe are working with, potential will have to do.

His stats aren’t amazing, but they are still better than the alternatives. That paired with a few impressive starts over the course of the year could give McKenzie the final spot. That would make the rotation Bieber, Civale, Plesac, Quantrill and McKenzie. Again, not amazing but you can do worse.