CLEVELAND — The Indians' starting rotation just can't catch a break.
The Tribe on Wednesday placed rookie right-hander Triston McKenzie on the 10-day injured list with what is being called right shoulder fatigue. The club did not say how much time the 24-year-old will miss, but the move is retroactive to his most recent start this past Sunday, meaning he will be eligible to return on Sept. 1.
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McKenzie is 3-5 this year with a 4.83 ERA, but has been one of the best young pitchers in baseball since returning from the minor leagues in July. He has continued to improve in August with two victories and a 1.93 ERA across four starts, and even flirted with a perfect game back on Aug. 15 in Detroit.
McKenzie went seven innings of one-run ball during his last outing against the Los Angeles Angels, and did not appear to be in any discomfort upon being taken out of the game. Due to injuries and COVID cancellations the past two seasons, his 112 2/3 innings across all levels this year are by far the most he's thrown since 2017, so it's possible the club is just trying to avoid burning out his arm.
With McKenzie now sidelined, four of Cleveland's five initial starting pitchers this year have spent time on the IL in 2021, with only Zach Plesac active at the moment. Aaron Civale is currently on a rehab assignment with Double-A Akron after missing two months with a sprained finger, while defending AL Cy Young winner Shane Bieber is still working his way back after straining his shoulder in June.
Replacing McKenzie on the Indians' roster will be left-hander Logan Allen, who will begin his fourth stint with the team this year after initially making the starting five out of spring training. He has struggled in both the big leagues and Triple-A Columbus this season, posting a combined 3-8 record with a massive 8.33 ERA.
It is possible neither Allen or anyone else will have to replace McKenzie in the rotation, as the Tribe has two off days before he is eligible to come back. Acting manager DeMarlo Hale has yet to name a starter for either Friday or Saturday against the Boston Red Sox, and the latter would've been McKenzie's regular turn on the mound.