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.

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.

Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher James Karinchak (shoulder), who was shut down from throwing in early April due to a mild right shoulder strain, is symptom-free and is throwing out to 250 feet at the team's spring training facility in Arizona. The right-hander was nearing a bullpen session, but the Guardians decided to hold off. "They've pushed the bullpens back a little bit just because he wants to be in a place where he knows he can let it go," manager Terry Francona said. "He's not a touch-and-feel guy. So, we're still not quite there." He'll likely require a short minor league rehab assignment, too, so fantasy managers must be a bit more patient for Karinchak to make his 2022 season debut.

Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher James Karinchak has been shut down from throwing for the next seven to 10 days, according to Mandy Bell of MLB.com. Following an MRI, the right-hander was diagnosed with a mild strain of his teres major muscle. As such, Opening Day could be in jeopardy for Karinchak, who ranks 48th among relievers in RotoBaller's fantasy draft rankings. Through 55 1/3 innings in 2021, he amassed a 4.07 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 78 strikeouts while holding opponents to a mere .188 xBA.

The Cleveland Indians optioned relief pitcher James Karinchak to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday. The 25-year-old was one of baseball's best relievers last season and got off to a strong start this season, pitching to a 2.52 ERA, 68 strikeouts, and 22 walks in 39.1 innings in the first half. However, the right-hander has struggled as of late, surrendering 14 earned runs, 10 walks, and four home runs in his last 15 innings. Emmanuel Clase should continue to work as Cleveland's closer, but with Karinchak in the minors, Bryan Shaw could be in line for an occasional save opportunity or two. In 61 appearances this season, Shaw has pitched to a 3.41 ERA and a 4.34 FIP while also collecting 61 strikeouts, 32 walks, and a pair of saves. The veteran could be particularly valuable now in fantasy leagues where holds are part of the scoring. Prior to Karinchak being optioned, Shaw already had 17 holds.

Cleveland Indians relief pitcher James Karinchak allowed two earned runs on one walk and one hit while striking out none in a 7-4 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday. Karinchak got into trouble again in this one when he walked Jeimer Candelario to lead off the bottom of the ninth inning and then allowed a two-run bomb by Renato Nunez. Karinchak has now allowed eight earned runs in his previous seven appearances. While this was not a save opportunity, he could certainly be losing his chance to close games out down the stretch.

Cleveland Indians relief pitcher James Karinchak gave up a 3-2 lead in the eighth inning Tuesday night on two hits while striking out none. Karinchak was credited with the blown save, although had he held the lead, Emmanuel Clase almost certainly would have been given the opportunity for the save in the ninth inning. Karinchak is struggling again as he has now allowed six earned runs over his previous six appearances. It may cost him save opportunities down the stretch.

Cleveland Indians relief pitcher James Karinchak had a rough time on the mound in July. He converted just two of his four save opportunities and posted a 7.36 ERA over 11 innings. Walks have been a massive problem for him all year. He walked seven batters last month and he has a 14.7% walk rate on the year, which ranks in the bottom 8% of the league. He has an elite 35.9% strikeout rate, which ranks in the 96th percentile, and he also has an elite xBA of .174, ranking in the 97th percentile. Emmanuel Clase should be the slight favorite for saves at least for now, but Karinchak should also remain in the mix, assuming he can put his July struggles in the past.