If Cleveland is to win the American League Central -- as most non-Minnesota residents predicted in the springtime -- then this is the weekend for them to make their move. Beginning on Friday, Cleveland will play three games against the Minnesota Twins. A sweep could reduce the gap between the pair to just a half game, provided the Twins lose on Thursday in their series finale against the Washington Nationals.
Though the two sides just met last weekend, with Cleveland taking two of the three games, Terry Francona's bullpen will have a different look this go around. Closer Brad Hand, who has seen his ERA increase by nearly a full run since the start of August, is likely unavailable due to arm fatigue (though a recent MRI came back clean):
Tito mentioned during the pregame that Brad Hand wasn’t bouncing back the way he wanted to with his throws. Was sent home last night on a red eye. MRI came back clean. Further evaluation on Friday but Tito was very encouraged with Hand’s progress. #Indians @wtam1100
— Anthony Alford (@AnthonyWTAM) September 12, 2019
In response, Cleveland will promote relief prospect James Karinchak:
The Cleveland Indians are calling up right-handed reliever James Karinchak, a source tells ESPN. In 30.1 minor league innings this season, Karinchak has struck out 74 batters. Yes, 81% of Karinchak’s outs have come via strikeout.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 12, 2019
Karinchak, for the unaware, is a soon-to-turn 24-year-old who has dominated minor-league hitters. In 30 innings across three levels this season, he has accumulated 74 strikeouts and a 2.67 ERA. His strikeout-per-nine innings rate is 22 -- that isn't a typo, he's really, truly averaging 22 strikeouts per nine innings.
Karinchak pairs a big-time fastball with a power curve and delivers the ball from a high release point. His mechanics are high-effort and do inspire a fair amount of volatility -- hence him issuing a walk more than every other inning. Still, Karinchak's stuff can miss bats and suppress contact, and that's a formula that has proven to work in baseball's current landscape. As such, he could find himself pitching in a high-leverage spot sooner than later.
It's unclear if Francona would be so bold as to deploy Karinchak in the ninth inning this weekend, regardless of whether Hand is present or not. Adam Cimber and Nick Wittgren have each recorded saves recently.
