CLEVELAND —
McKenzie, 27, was long viewed as a potential ace by the Guardians. He went 11-11 with a 2.96 ERA and 190 strikeouts in 2022, making two starts in the postseason while becoming a fan favorite.
Cleveland has seven days to either trade or place the 6-foot-5, 185-pounder on waivers. Right-hander Zak Kent was brought up from Triple-A Columbus to fill McKenzie’s roster spot before the team opened a three-game series against the New York Yankees.
“We wish Triston well, regardless of if he gets claimed or stays with us,” Vogt said.
Vogt also reaffirmed his support for three-time All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase on Monday, saying, “I haven’t even had the thought” of replacing him. The right-hander has allowed nine runs and 20 hits in 10⅓ innings for a 7.84 ERA, including three in one inning Sunday in Pittsburgh when he blew his second save in six chances.
Clase, 27, won the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year Award as baseball’s best reliever in 2022 and 2024, leading the league in saves in each of the last three years. He went 4-2 with 47 saves and a 0.61 ERA last season.
“He’s getting hit, he’s leaving the ball down the middle, and there are things he needs to work on,” Vogt said. “But Emmanuel Clase is going to get the ball in the ninth inning when he’s available.”
