What can be done to fix the Bullpen?

[btdart20]

23 hours ago, Sydnor said:

I would call Cleveland and see if they are willing to move James Karinchak. They sent him to AAA despite decent numbers this year (he has an issue giving up HRs and has a couple of really bad outings). His command has been worse than  usual, leading to the HRs and a 6.48 walk rate. The K rate is still about 12.4 per 9. Last year the K rate was over 14 and the FIP was a 2.29.

Karinchak is under team control until 2027. They need hitters (particularly in the OF). I think there could be a match, but I don’t think Cleveland would give him away.

I just looked at his game log, of the 12 runs he's given up this season 9 runs were off of the 6 HRs he's allowed (4 solo HRs, a 2-run HR, and a 3-run HR).  He's pitched 27.2 IP, so each run scored is about .33 added to his ERA.  A little fun with numbers could have him with a sub-3.00 ERA.

The statcast expected HRs doesn't really show a big gap in actual HRs and expected HRs at OPACY.  Cleveland is pretty good at handling (developing/using) their pitchers.  But maybe 

I can see the potential for improvement, but it's a cautious optimism at best.  If there's no game plan for improvement, he'd slot in between Baker/Baumann in our BP hierarchy.