James Karinchak Stats
- Height / Weight
- 6' 3" / 215 lbs.
- Date of Birth (Age)
- 9/22/1995 (27)
- Experience
- 1
- College
- Bryant
James Karinchak Season Stats
Last 10 Games
James Karinchak News
The Cleveland Guardians and reliever James Karinchak avoided salary arbitration after inking a one-year, $1.5 million deal. Known to have one of the most sophisticated routines in the game, Karinchak has established himself as one of the most dependable Cleveland arms. He dealt with a shoulder strain this past season which sidelined him for a considerable amount of time, but he still managed to make an impact. Through 38 appearances, Karinchak molded a 2.08 ERA with 62 strikeouts and a 38.8% strikeout rate. He continues to work his way up in the Guardians clubhouse and is vying to increase his workload this coming season. If he can stay healthy, Karinchak is expected to be in a high-leverage role for the Guardians and could see a few save chances behind star closer Emmanuel Clase.
The Cleveland Guardians recalled right-hander James Karinchak from Triple-A on Sunday and placed left-hander Anthony Gose (triceps) on the 15-day injured list with a strained left triceps in a corresponding move. The Guardians also selected the contract of left-hander Alex Young from Triple-A, optioned right-hander Anthony Castro to Triple-A and designated lefty Kirk McCarty for assignment. Karinchak was activated from the 60-day injured list on Saturday and sent to Columbus, but he'll return to the majors a day later. The 26-year-old has dealt with a shoulder issue since spring training but had a 5.73 ERA and 1.91 WHIP in 12 relief outings for Columbus on his rehab assignment. Cleveland may decide to ease him into setup duties.
Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher James Karinchak (shoulder) threw 21 pitches in a third of an inning last Wednesday in his first minor league rehab outing at Triple-A Columbus. Karinchak felt good after making his first appearance since Oct. 1 of last year. He threw a side session on Friday but struggled again in game action on Saturday, when he allowed two earned runs and two walks in two-thirds of an inning. "The line wasn't good, but the velocity was good and he's healthy," manager Terry Francona said. "Down the road we'll care more about the line than we do in his first outing." Given Karinchak's long layoff, he'll need an extended rehab assignment, and there is no timetable for his return to Cleveland's bullpen.
Batting Order
| 1 | Steven Kwan |
| 2 | Amed Rosario |
| 3 | José Ramírez |
| 4 | Josh Bell |
| 5 | Josh Naylor |
| 6 | Oscar Gonzalez |
| 7 | Andrés Giménez |
| 8 | Cam Gallagher |
| 9 | Myles Straw |
James Karinchak Stats
Last 10 Games
Batting Order
| 1 | Steven Kwan |
| 2 | Amed Rosario |
| 3 | José Ramírez |
| 4 | Josh Bell |
| 5 | Josh Naylor |
| 6 | Oscar Gonzalez |
| 7 | Andrés Giménez |
| 8 | Cam Gallagher |
| 9 | Myles Straw |
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.
