Guardians' James Karinchak 'Doing Really Well' With Shoulder Injury Progression

Stephen Vogt says the Cleveland Guardians pitcher James Karinchak "is doing really well" after starting spring training with shoulder fatigue.

The Cleveland Guardians opened up spring training with the majority of the 40-man roster healthy. This is a great sign for the start of the season considering how injuries, specifically to the pitching staff, plagued 2023.

However, there is one pitcher who is dealing with a minor injury. Chris Antonetti did mention late last week that James Karinchak was delayed in the start of his throwing program this spring due to shoulder fatigue.

Per MLB.com injury news:

Karinchak will be on a slower schedule than the rest of the pitchers and catchers who reported to camp on Feb. 13 due to fatigue in his throwing shoulder. He will not throw for the first few days of workouts, and the team hopes he can begin his throwing program shortly thereafter.

Stephen Vogt talked bout Karinchak's injury on Sunday and offered an optimistic outlook for the reliever. "James is doing really well," said Vogt. "We're really excited about the progression he's made." 

Apr 23, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher James Karinchak (99) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 season will be a make-or-break one for Karinchak. He was once one of the best relievers in the sport and on Cleveland's roster. However, the last two seasons haven't been as kind to him.

Karinchak posted an ERA of 3.32 and a 1.33 WHIP in 39.0 innings pitched over 44 games in 2023. His curveball and fastball pitch mix makes him a candidate to be a high K% pitcher like he was in the past, but hitters have started to time up his deliveries.

If Karinchak is healthy, he can be a major part of this bullpen.