GOODYEAR, Ariz. – For the second time in as many seasons, Triston McKenzie’s season debut will be delayed because of injury.

The Indians announced Tuesday that they expect McKenzie -- the Indians’ top prospect and MLB’s No. 41-ranked prospect overall according to MLB Pipeline -- to miss at least six weeks as he works through a strain in his upper back.

McKenzie will not require surgery at this point. Forearm soreness delayed McKenzie’s 2018 debut until June, but once he got on the mound he showed why he’s so highly regarded. The right-hander posted a 2.68 ERA and struck out 87 (with 28 walks) in 90 2/3 innings over 16 starts with Double-A Akron.