Guardians to recall James Karinchak from Triple-A

The Cleveland Guardians' relief corps is about to receive some help from a familiar face. James Karinchak. Cleveland is calling up Karinchak while placing Michael Kelly on the injured list, according to a report.

2023 has been a tough season for Karinchak. As expected, the new rules integrated by Major League Baseball impacted more than a few pitchers, with Karinchak being one of them. The lengthy between-pitch routine for Karinchak was interrupted, and this is something that got to him. Karinchak has allowed 12 runs on 15 hits (six home runs) while issuing 19 walks in 27.2 innings before being sent down to Triple-A Columbus., not the type of performance expected from what is supposed to be Cleveland's setup man.

It has been a very confusing season for Karinchak. Opponents are hitting just .160 when facing him, but his command issues have resulted in an on-base percentage of .305 for opposing batters. With how many close games Cleveland has played this season, this is simply not an arm they can count on to keep runs off the board late in the game.

Karinchak's time down in Columbus has not gone much better. The 27-year-old reliever has a 5.12 ERA and 1.241 WHIP in 20 appearances. While the home runs allowed have dropped from six to one, and his strikeout rate has increased (12.4-15.8 K/9), just about everything else has regressed. In 19.1 innings, Karinchak has allowed 11 runs on 13 hits while walking 11 batters. So as far as command goes, things have not improved all that much.

This is not necessarily a last stand for Karinchak with the Cleveland Guardians organization, but it certainly feels like it. Cleveland's bullpen has seen its fair share of struggles and overuse. Meanwhile, Karinchak remained in Triple-A when it was clear that the major league club needed help. This says a lot about a player who at one point, looked like they were going to be a mainstay in Cleveland's bullpen for the foreseeable future.

Perhaps Karinchak can tap into his raw talent as a pitcher and reign in his command. Finding a way to make an impact for this ballclub as they fight to remain relevant in the playoff hunt down the stretch. If not, Karinchak may find himself pitching elsewhere next season.

More Guardians news from Away Back Gone