James Karinchak Stats
- Height / Weight
- 6' 3" / 215 lbs.
- Date of Birth (Age)
- 9/22/1995 (28)
- Experience
- 5
- College
- Bryant
James Karinchak Season Stats
Last 10 Games
James Karinchak News
Cleveland Guardians pitcher James Karinchak is dealing with right shoulder fatigue in camp and will be on a slower schedule than the rest of the pitchers who reported to camp on Feb. 13. He will not throw for the first few days of workouts but the team is hopeful he can resume his throwing program shortly thereafter. The right-hander worked to a 3.23 ERA across 44 appearances with the Guardians in the 2023 season but was also surprisingly sent to the minors in June. He posted a 4.24 ERA in 23 minor-league appearances but also a 2.20 FIOP and a massive 43.8% K% in that time. His control was the reason behind the demotion as he posted a 16.4% BB% in the big leagues, lowering his K-BB% to just 14%, easily the worst mark of his big-league career.
The Cleveland Guardians are expected to call up relief pitcher James Karinchak from Triple-A Columbus on Friday and place pitcher Michael Kelly (back) on the 15-day injured list with back spasms. Karinchak was sent to the minors in June after posting a 3.90 ERA (5.61 FIP), 1.23 WHIP, 19 walks and 38 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings with the Guardians. He has been worse at Columbus, allowing 12 runs (11 earned) on 13 hits while walking 11 and striking out 34 in 19 1/3 frames while also recording four saves. The 27-year-old hard-throwing right-hander might be useful for strikeouts and the occasional hold now that he's returning to the big leagues in much deeper fantasy leagues.
Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher James Karinchak has been optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday. This is a bit of a surprise considering Karinchak has been pitching fairly well this season. He's posting a 3.90 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 38/19 K/BB ratio across 32 appearances. The expectation is that the 27-year-old will be back on roster in a few weeks. In a corresponding move, lefty Tim Herrin has been recalled to take his spot on the active roster.
Batting Order
1 | Tyler Freeman |
2 | Andrés Giménez |
3 | José Ramírez |
4 | Josh Naylor |
5 | Will Brennan |
6 | Kyle Manzardo |
7 | Gabriel Arias |
8 | Estevan Florial |
9 | Austin Hedges |
James Karinchak Stats
Last 10 Games
Batting Order
1 | Tyler Freeman |
2 | Andrés Giménez |
3 | José Ramírez |
4 | Josh Naylor |
5 | Will Brennan |
6 | Kyle Manzardo |
7 | Gabriel Arias |
8 | Estevan Florial |
9 | Austin Hedges |
James Karinchak is looking to have a bounce-back season after a 2021 campaign that saw him lose the closer role to Emmanuel Clase. Unfortunately, a shoulder strain has put those plans on ice with Karinchak currently shut down from throwing. He is expected to begin throwing again soon so barring any setbacks, should return to the mound for the Guardians in late April. And he should find himself back in the mix for late innings works as a setup man for Clase. Last year, Karinchak started the season with 13 scoreless outings (11.2 IP) and looked every bit the 2020 breakout star closer he was drafted as in fantasy. Even at the end of May, Karinchak had a 2.28 ERA and 43 Ks in 23.2 IP, but only six saves. His last save of the season came on July 21st and following that date, Karinchak posted a 9.00 ERA over 13.0 IP which included three blown saves and eventually saw him demoted to Triple-A to work on his ability to throw strikes. His K% also dropped from 39.5% to 15.9% after June 21st and his command was a problem. Karinchak finished the season with a 13.6% BB% (fourth percentile) despite only allowing two walks in April. Clase looks locked in as the Guardians closer so without an injury or significant drop-off in performances, Karinchak likely won't see many save opportunities. He should still factor in for holds and is the most likely handcuff for saves, but he'll need to dramatically lower his 13.4% BB% as a Major League pitcher if he's to have success in the role.