CLEVELAND -- It wasn¡¯t long ago that Triston McKenzie appeared set to anchor the Guardians¡¯ starting rotation for years to come. But amid his tough start to the 2025 season, Cleveland designated the right-hander for assignment on Monday.
The Guardians selected right-handed reliever Zak Kent from Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move.
McKenzie, 27, made 88 appearances for Cleveland following his Aug. 22, 2020, MLB debut, 80 of which were starts. He was the No. 2 starter in the Guardians¡¯ rotation as recently as 2022, when he recorded a 2.96 ERA in 191 1/3 innings over 31 games (30 starts).
McKenzie made just four starts in 2023 after missing significant time due to a right elbow sprain. He returned to Cleveland¡¯s rotation last season and posted a 5.11 ERA over 16 starts, and after those early struggles was optioned to Columbus on June 30. He spent the rest of the season with the Clippers.
McKenzie made the Guardians¡¯ Opening Day roster this season as a long reliever. In four appearances, he recorded an 11.12 ERA with seven walks and four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. Cleveland will now have seven days to either trade McKenzie or place him on outright or unconditional release waivers.
Kent allowed two runs on three hits and four walks with 10 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings over five appearances with Columbus this season.