4 years agoCleveland Indians starting pitcher Triston McKenzie was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday. The Indians recalled reliever Kyle Nelson in a corresponding move. McKenzie had a tough outing on Friday night, lasting just 3 1/3 innings while allowing five walks and six runs. The 23-year-old has thus far been unable to replicate the success he had during the shortened 2020 season, which saw him pitch to a 3.24 ERA with a 42:9 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 33 1/3 innings. The strikeout potential is through the roof with McKenzie thanks to a filthy slider-curveball off-speed combo, though he's had some serious control issues this year and will need to work on keeping the walks down if he wants to find success in the big leagues. He can be dropped if fantasy managers didn't already do so.--Tim Capurso
Source: Zack Meisel