Indians Have Trust In Triston

CLEVELAND—Righthander Triston McKenzie recorded eye-opening statistics through his first eight starts at short-season Mahoning Valley.

He led the New York-Penn League with a 0.61 ERA, while ranking among the circuit’s best with 47 strikeouts (second) and a .181 opponent average (third).

Needless to say, the 18-year-old McKenzie has had no trouble adjusting to pro ball. The Indians selected him as a supplemental first-round pick in 2015 out of Royal Palm Beach (Fla.) High.

Last summer he made four appearances in the Rookie-level Arizona League and allowed one run with 17 strikeouts in 12 innings. The Indians raved about him in extended spring training this season.

“He’s got a very good arm, he’s very aggressive and he goes after hitters,” Mahoning Valley manager Edwin Rodriguez told The Youngstown (Ohio) Vindicator. “Everything is going for him. He’s doing everything right.”

McKenzie walked away from a commitment to Vanderbilt when he agreed to a $2.3 million bonus, and he’s been nothing but impressive since.

McKenzie’s physique—he’s listed at 6-foot-5 and 165 pounds—concerned some scouts before the draft, but so far that hasn’t seemed to be a problem.

Whether he can physically hold up for a full season at a higher level remains to be seen, but the early returns have been encouraging.

“I feel like I’ve been commanding the zone well, getting strikes early in the count,” McKenzie said. “I don’t mind letting hitters hit the ball and letting my defense do its job.”

That formula seems to be working. Through his first 12 career appearances, McKenzie had struck out 64 in 56 innings while allowing just 32 hits, and Rodriguez has had a front row seat.

“I don’t say anything. I don’t want to mess it up,” Rodriguez said. “If you try to improve on what he has done, you’re going to mess it up. So I just let him be.”

SMOKE SIGNALS

• The Indians called up shortstop Erik Gonzalez the day after he homered at the Triple-A All-Star Game. He hit .296/.328/.420 with 6 home runs at Triple-A Columbus.

• The Indians optioned lefty reliever Tyler Olson to Columbus after claiming him on waivers from the Royals.