Guardians Breakthrough Starting Pitcher Shut Down For Multiple Weeks

A terrible break for the Cleveland Guardians as the season quickly approaches. One of their top starting pitchers will be out for eight weeks. 

Triston McKenzie has a strain of his right teres major muscle (back of the shoulder) and will be shut down from throwing for 2+ weeks. He'll be sidelined for up to eight weeks overall.

— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) March 28, 2023

Triston McKenzie, who broke through with a sensational season in 2022, has been diagnosed with a strain of his right teres major muscle in the back of the shoulder and will be shut down from throwing for at least two weeks. He's expected to be out of the lineup for up to eight weeks. 

McKenzie was removed from his last spring start on Sunday after one inning complaining of shoulder discomfort. He said at the time he thought it was just normal aches and pains of spring training. Unfortunately, the MRI said otherwise. 

The 25-year-old burst onto the scene in 2022 with a 2.96 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP, along with an elite 190:44 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He was slated to start the Guardians' second game of the season in Seattle on Friday. 

Cleveland is expected to move Hunter Gaddis from the bullpen to replace him in the rotation. 

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports