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Cleveland Indians pitching prospect Triston McKenzie will make his major league debut on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers. With both Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac optioned to the team’s alternate training site in Lake County, the Tribe needs a fifth starter for Saturday and, in a surprise move, they are turning to their Top 10 prospect to take the mound.
The Indians selected McKenzie with the 42nd overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft. His development has been hampered the last two seasons due to forearm and shoulder injuries, but the Tribe front office made a point to add him to the 40-man roster for the first time this year.
McKenzie has not pitched in a game since June 2018. His last full season was at Class A Lynchburg in 2017 when he recorded a 3.46 ERA in 25 starts. He struck out 186 and walked 45 in 143 innings. He missed all of last season due to a right shoulder ailment.