The Cleveland Guardians have been trying to navigate their pitching staff since the regular season began all the way back in late March. Injuries to the starting rotation meant more bullpen games and more arms being used on a regular basis.
James Karinchak was one of those pitchers who saw a lot of work early on in the season. He even led the league with teammate Emmanuel Clase for most appearances at one point this season.
Karinchak was throwing a lot of innings early on, but it was all great. He has a 3,90 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 32 appearances at the Big League level in 2023. Karinchak has also given up a couple of walk-offs as well.
The Guardians sent him back down the minors to work on his pitch mix, command, and holding runners on base with the hopes he could come back and be a key piece in the bullpen.
We're finally going to get to see if Karinchak has improved. Cleveland called him back up to the Big League roster on Thursday. Hunter Gaddis was all called u in a corresponding move.
Karinchak does present a unique skill set that the team is missing. The Guardians' bullpen is one of the worst in the Majors at striking batters out. However, Karinchak does have an SO9 of 12.4 (the highest on the team) and an opponent batting average of .160.
It will be interesting to see what role the righty has and if Terry Francona will continue to use him in high-leverage situations.
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