Guardians' "Dr. Sticks" is becoming a force in the A.L.

[Auggie]

Dr. Sticks is Guardians starter Triston McKenzie -- 6-foot-5 (and listed) at 165 pounds -- and he's a huge part of Cleveland's push as they attempt to win the A.L. Central Division.

Backed by a terrific seven-inning outing from McKenzie and an early two-run homer from Amed Rosario, Cleveland secured a 6-4 win over Minnesota on Saturday night at Target Field, creating more separation with the-now-third-place Twins in the American League Central race.

The Guardians are in a stretch of critical games over the next few weeks against the Twins and White Sox. As the end of the regular season draws nearer, the intensity of each contest heightens. And McKenzie is proving that he can be a guy his team can turn to.

Saturday’s start proved a lot about Cleveland’s next rising star. McKenzie entered having held opponents to a .198 average this season, which ranked the fourth best among qualified AL pitchers. Yet that success didn’t always translate against the Twins -- one of the teams the Guardians know they have to beat in order to make the postseason.

McKenzie tossed seven scoreless frames, giving up six hits with two walks and five strikeouts. His curveball remained as lethal as it has been all year and his heater averaged 93 mph -- nearly a full mile per hour faster than his season average.

https://www.mlb.com/guardians/news/triston-mckenzie-logs-seven-scoreless-innings-in-guardians-win

Link to tweet

"Sticks" -- the media would have made him a household name by now if he pitched for the Mets, Yankees or Dodgers.

[Diamond_Dog]

1. He's been absolutely huge in the starting rotation for us this year

I knew there was something special about him last season (May 2021) when he struck out 8 batters in a row vs. the White Sox (breaking the all time team record of consecutive strikeouts set by Corey Kluber in 2014)

He’s a great guy off the field, too, a nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. In interviews I find him very forthcoming and unassuming. He’s definitely got it figured out this year. Go Guards!

[Auggie]

2. +1 ...

and thanks for sharing!

[Diamond_Dog]

3. YW

Hey maybe your team will open the checkbook for Aaron Judge next year???

[Auggie]

4. Someone like that would be great ...

though I expect it would be for a journeyman veteran looking for a ring, like Orel Hershiser was in 1995.

I think Judge could end up in San Francisco. He’s from the Stockton area and grew following the team. And they have the money to sign him long term.

[Diamond_Dog]

5. When I sad "your team"

I meant San Fran. 🙂

[Auggie]

6. Got it

Apologies

[Diamond_Dog]

7. Absolutely no problem