When McKenzie failed to crack Cleveland’s starting rotation this spring, the clock toward an inevitable breakup began. It culminated in the Guardians designating him for assignment Monday. They needed a fresh arm in the bullpen, and even though McKenzie’s arm is just that, they can’t trust him in his current state.

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Triston McKenzie, who has been plagued by arm injuries since making 30 starts in his breakout 2022 season, has been designated for assignment.

Pitcher Triston McKenzie, who once looked like a rising star who could join other Cleveland Guardians Cy Young Award winners, including CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Corey Kluber and Shane Bieber, was designated for assignment on Monday. McKenzie, 27, allowed seven runs, seven hits and seven walks in 5 2/3 innings this season, resulting in an 11.12 ERA.