The Cleveland Indians are dealing with some more rain at home Thursday, but it should pass through and allow Zach Plesac to make his long-awaited return to the mound.
This is fantastic news as the young right-hander has been out since May 23 after injuring himself removing his shirt.
Yes, that is still the listed cause of his injury.
Regardless, he is back now and at the perfect time.
The Indians enter Thursday’s series against the Kansas City Royals with a 42-42 record.
A few more losses heading into the break to extend the current nine-game losing streak could lead to some organizational changes at the end of the month.
Perhaps Plesac can lead his team to a win in his return.
With his return comes some roster moves for the rotation.
First up is a direct swap.
The Indians optioned J.C. Mejía to Triple-A in order to make space for Zach Plesac.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) July 8, 2021
J.C. Mejia Returns To Triple-A
This demotion for J.C. Mejia comes after he allowed six earned runs in only 2.2 innings of work Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays.
However, it is also about the fact he just recently pitched.
Mejia can’t throw again before the break, so the Indians sent him down and he can return after the second half of the season begins.
The right-hander has had a rocky go as of late after becoming a necessary full-time arm in the rotation.
He allowed six earned runs in three of his last four starts and saw his ERA balloon up to 7.42 on the year.
Unfortunately for Mejia, he was thrust into a starting role and the team had no other option but to keep using him, regardless of ongoing struggles.
Triston McKenzie Back Again
Triston McKenzie will be promoted from Triple-A to start for the Indians tomorrow.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) July 8, 2021
Triston McKenzie is getting another shot to prove himself with the Indians after an up-and-down start to the year that featured a demotion, followed by a quick promotion again because of injuries.
McKenzie last pitched for the Indians June 12 before he was truly sent down to Columbus to work on his command.
The young hitter walked four batters in his final start, and that figure was a routine one for him whenever he took the mound.
He now is being given another golden opportunity to win back his job in the starting rotation.
Even just an average start could get him back into the regular mix at this point.
A Note On The Return
This exact game could be a turning point for the Indians in 2021.
Not to be dramatic or anything.
But the team sits at 42-42 with the best available starting pitcher on the mound.
If the offense can’t give Plesac support, every other pitcher may be doomed.
In general, the playoff hopes would take another drastic hit.
But for now, fans are hoping the Indians can make easy work of the Royals and get right back into the division hunt before the weekend is over.
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