Scouting grades: Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 40 | Overall: 45
Karinchak set Bryant records for wins (12) and strikeouts (112) as a sophomore, then encored by ranking second in NCAA Division I in strikeout rate (13.7) in 2017. He lasted until the ninth round that June, in part because he battled shoulder soreness during the spring, then struggled as a starter in his pro debut. He took off when he became a full-time reliever last year, advancing from Class A to Double-A with a 1.29 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings, and has dominated even more in 2019 while dealing with hamstring injuries.
Karinchak misses bats with two pitches that play well off of each other. He has a 95-98 mph fastball with riding life that he can throw by hitters at their letters, and a 12-to-6 curveball that he can get them to chase out of the bottom of the zone. He also threw a changeup/splitter as a starter but doesn't use it much while coming out of the bullpen.
His high arm slot adds plane and deception to his pitches, though there's also effort in his delivery that makes it difficult to control them. He averaged 6.7 walks per nine innings in 2018 and his pitches aren't as sharp or reliable when he gets too amped and overthrows them. The Indians think he'll demonstrate more consistency if he can keep his emotions in check. Statcast - Pitching Season Pitches Batted Balls Barrels Barrel % Exit Velocity Launch Angle XBA XSLG WOBA XWOBA XWOBACON Hard Hit % K % BB % 2019 94 13 0 0.0 86.5 13.4 .221 .318 .166 .245 .362 46.2 36.4 4.5 ALL 94 13 0 0.0 86.5 13.4 .221 .318 .166 .245 .362 46.2 36.4 4.5 MLB 40553 6.3 87.5 11.2 .251 .412 .317 .318 .371 34.5 21.7 8.3 Transactions Team Date Transaction 09/13/2019 Cleveland Indians selected the contract of RHP James Karinchak from Columbus Clippers. 07/24/2019 Columbus Clippers activated RHP James Karinchak from the 7-day injured list. 07/16/2019 Columbus Clippers sent RHP James Karinchak on a rehab assignment to AZL Indians Blue. 05/13/2019 Columbus Clippers placed RHP James Karinchak on the 7-day injured list retroactive to May 11, 2019. 05/03/2019 RHP James Karinchak assigned to Columbus Clippers from Akron RubberDucks. 02/23/2019 RHP James Karinchak assigned to Cleveland Indians. 08/01/2018 RHP James Karinchak assigned to Akron RubberDucks from Lynchburg Hillcats. 05/03/2018 RHP James Karinchak assigned to Lynchburg Hillcats from Lake County Captains. 04/03/2018 RHP James Karinchak assigned to Lake County Captains from Mahoning Valley Scrappers. 03/19/2018 RHP James Karinchak assigned to Cleveland Indians. 06/23/2017 RHP James Karinchak assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers. 06/22/2017 Cleveland Indians signed RHP James Karinchak.
