Triston McKenzie enjoyed a breakthrough 2022 season and played a key part in the Guardians securing a trip to the postseason. They could now be without him for the first two months of the 2023 regular season.

McKenzie underwent MRI imaging recently, which revealed a strain of his right teres major muscle in the back of his shoulder. According to an update provided by the team, McKenzie will be shut down from throwing for at least two weeks and then re-evaluated. He could miss up to eight weeks, putting his potential return near the end of May.

Trio of catchers: Guardians plan to carry 3 catchers to begin 2023 season; Opening Day pitching staff set

McKenzie was terrific for the Guardians a year ago, posting a 2.96 ERA with 190 strikeouts in 191⅓ innings.

The Guardians will now have to alter their starting pitching plans for the first couple months of the season. Shane Bieber, Cal Quantrill, Aaron Civale and Zach Plesac will remain the rotation. But someone — perhaps Xzavion Curry, Konnor Pilkington or someone else — will need to step into a spot in the rotation. Hunter Gaddis, possibly an option as well, was recently told he'd begin the season in the major league bullpen.

Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Guardians at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/cleveland-guardians. Follow him on Twitter at @ByRyanLewis.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Triston McKenzie could miss up to 8 weeks with teres major strain