Karinchak hasn't lived up to lofty expectations
James Karinchak hasn't quite lived up to his lofty preseason expectations, and D.J. Short highlights the emergence of Emmanuel Clase as a prime reason why.
Video Transcript
DJ SHORT: Indians reliever James Karinchak was being mentioned as a possible top tier fantasy closure option prior to spring training but things haven't exactly worked out as planned. Terry Francona never committed to Karinchak prior to opening day. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Clase was healthy again, and he emerged with a brilliant start to the season, while racking up early saves.
Karinchak still received his fair share of chances in the months that followed, but he hasn't looked anywhere near as dominating as he did last year. Things have been especially troublesome lately. As of Wednesday, August 11th, he had allowed nine runs on 11 hits and six walks in his last nine and 1/3 innings pitched with two homers allowed in that time as well. He hasn't recorded a save since July 21st.
Meanwhile, Clase has righted the ship after a rough patch in the early part of July, tossing 10 and 1/3 scoreless innings with a nine to one strikeout to walk ratio. He's also converted each of his last five save opportunities. The pecking order is clear here with Clase looking like one of the better bargains of the year among closers.