Indians: 3 players who have recovered and started to have good seasons
By Chad Porto
Triston McKenzie
Triston McKenzie has had a wild wide so far through 2021. At one point he was the Indians’ worst starting pitcher, but now McKenzie has slid back into form and has really rebounded. We talked before about his ghastly start, and how he ended up spending time in Triple-A looking to get his stuff right but ever since July 9, he’s been pitching so much better.
He’s only had two rough outings in the last eight games, and his four-game run that he’s currently on is as good as any Indians‘ pitcher this season. He’s dropped his ERA by a whole point since Aug. 5 and has been dealing against some of the best lineups in baseball.
His last two outings in particular have been impressive. He’s thrown 15 innings, 19 strikeouts, and given up only one run over those last two games. His ability to locate the ball has returned but more importantly, his confidence has returned as well. He’s also only given up 12 hits over the last four games while walking only two hitters in that same stretch.
He’s not a big strikeout guy, yet, but he may be showing glimpses of what is possible in the coming years.
McKenzie should finish out the last month as strong as anyone.