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.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians designated former first-round pick Triston McKenzie for assignment Monday prior to their series opener against the Yankees at Progressive Field. McKenzie, 27, was a 2015 first round pick by Cleveland out of Royal Palm Beach Community HS in Florida and a former No. 1 prospect in the organization.