CLEVELAND, Ohio – The child will be around for a minute.
Cleveland Indian rookie right-hander Triston McKenzie has earned another start after his brilliant Premier League debut on Saturday against Detroit. What that means for the futures of Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac, relegated to the club’s alternative training site in Eastlake, remains to be determined.
McKenzie struck out 10 Tigers goals and grabbed his first win as the Indians rallied for a 6-1 victory over Detroit on Saturday. Indian president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti told reporters via Zoom on Sunday that McKenzie will stay at the big league club and make at least one more start instead of going back to Classic Park in Lake County to train.
Prior to Saturday’s departure, Antonetti was irresponsible about whether McKenzie would only be at the club for a start, noting that there are several variables to play with in the coming week. One of those variables could be the looming MLB trade date August 31st and whether or not the team seeks to treat Clevinger or Plesac following the two COVID-19 protocols and the club’s code of conduct earlier this month in Chicago travel.
Antonetti said McKenzie’s debut generated a lot of excitement among his teammates, mainly due to the way he was aggressive with throwing strikes from the start and demonstrating the ability to throw four quality spots.
“He had a great game plan and worked really well with Roberto on his attacking plan with hitters,” Antonetti said. “I’m not sure you could have made a better debut in the Premier League than the one that Triston had.”
Aaron Civale and Shane Bieber will start the first two games of Cleveland’s upcoming home series against Minnesota and Antonetti said Wednesday’s starter is yet to be determined. Adam Plutko, 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in his last four outings since stepping into the rotation for Clevinger, was scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Sunday and could be an option for Wednesday.
McKenzie would be scheduled to restart Thursday on regular rest, but the Indians are away before opening a six-game road to St. Louis. Louis and Kansas City.
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