70 James Karinchak RP

Karinchak was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

This move may prove to be procedural, as Karinchak appeared on track to open the season in a setup role after impressing during spring training (3.18 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 9:5 K:BB in 5.2 innings). With the start of the season delayed, the well-regarded righty could still rejoin the Indians before play resumes.

Karinchak had a 3.18 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 9:5 K:BB in 5.2 innings during spring training.

The walk rate in that small sample is mildly concerning, but it's easy to get away with that many free passes when you strike out almost two batters per inning. He was voted by his teammates as the most impressive player in camp earlier in the spring, according to Mandy Bell of MLB.com, and appears poised to work as the team's setup man when the season gets underway.

Karinchak made five appearances out of the Cleveland bullpen in September, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over 5.1 innings while striking out eight.

Karinchak wasn't credited with a hold in any of his appearances, but the hard-throwing righty may have positioned himself for a high-leverage role to begin 2020 nonetheless. Before joining the big club as a September callup, the 24-year-old had been one of the most dominant relief arms in the high minors, racking up 74 strikeouts in just 30.1 innings between three stops. Karinchak has the look of a future closer, though he may not earn that assignment during the upcoming season with Brad Hand still on the books for Cleveland.

Karinchak's contract was purchased from Triple-A Columbus prior to Friday's game against the Twins, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The top relief-pitching prospect yet to make his big-league debut, Karinchak has logged comically absurd strikeout rates thanks to some deception, a bulldog mentality and pretty good stuff. The 23-year-old righty has a 2.67 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 74:17 K:BB in 30.1 innings, primarily at Double-A and Triple-A. With Brad Hand (arm) day-to-day, it's possible that Karinchak could immediately figure into the ninth-inning equation. He saved eight games in eight opportunities in the minors. While he should already be rostered in dynasty leagues, Karinchak has a chance to be valuable over the final 15 games of the season if his stuff translates.