The Cleveland Guardians have an excellent bullpen, probably the best in MLB.
That doesn’t mean that they will block or abandon every effort to improve the unit, though.
They are, as they should be, always on the lookout for strengthening their squad and that includes even the best units.
James Karinchak presents an interesting case for them, though.
On raw talent, he is among the best relievers on the team.
However, they had him in the minor leagues for stretches last year and walks and homers have complicated him in the past.
It’s also important to say that shoulder issues, namely inflammation and fatigue, have kept him out of action all year.
He was recently cleared to return to mound work and has been making rehab appearances for Triple-A Columbus, as he prepares for a potential return.
He is quickly rounding into form as the numbers suggest.
“#Guardians RHP James Karinchak picked up his 1st save today for Columbus striking out a pair of St. Paul batters in a scoreless 9th inning of work making his fifth rehab appearance. He topped out at 92.1 mph. Line – 1.0(IP) 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 2SO. Over five rehab appearances: – 4.2(IP) 2H 2R 2ER 5BB 7SO 3.86 ERA,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
#Guardians RHP James Karinchak picked up his 1st save today for Columbus striking out a pair of St. Paul batters in a scoreless 9th inning of work making his fifth rehab appearance. He topped out at 92.1 mph.
Line – 1.0(IP) 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 2SO
Over five rehab appearances:
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) September 15, 2024
His last appearance came over the weekend and it was a clean one: an inning, no runs and two strikeouts, with just a hit allowed.
He now has a 3.86 ERA in five games and 4.2 innings.
Walks are still an issue: he has given away five free passes already.
The strikeout stuff is apparently there, though.
The Guardians probably won’t even entertain the idea of a call-up until he can get the walks in check.
It’s important to point out that this is a pitcher who has occupied prominent roles in the Guardians’ bullpen before and has a 3.10 career ERA.
Only time will tell if he will contribute in 2024.
NEXT: Guardians Prospect Wins Weekly Award In Triple-A Thanks To Elite Performance
