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Indians option James Karinchak to Triple-A
Cleveland Indians relief pitcher James Karinchak. Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Indians have optioned reliever James Karinchak to Triple-A, per The Athletic’s Zack Meisel. Bobby Bradley will be activated from the injured list to take Karinchak’s roster spot.

Karinchak was a popular breakout candidate this season because of his gaudy strikeout numbers, and for awhile, Karinchak made good on that promise. But it’s been a different story in the second half. After recording an absurd 42.5% strikeout rate in the first half, that number has fallen to 12.5% in the second half. His FIP has tumbled from 3.12 to 7.64.

Karinchak’s spin rates have plummeted all season long on both his fastball and his curve. His In Zone Swing & Miss Percentages have fallen as well, from 26% on his four-seamer in June to just 9% on that same pitch in August.

As for Bradley, the powerful first baseman slashed .213/.316/.480 over 174 plate appearances, his first real crack at regular playing time in the bigs. He’s been out since August 7 with a knee sprain.

This article first appeared on MLB Trade Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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