Indians Promoting Reliever With the Most Absurd Strikeout Rate You'll Ever See

Strikeouts have become more common in MLB than they ever were before, and it's a trend you can follow deep into the minor leagues.

Take for example, Cleveland Indians reliever James Karinchak. The 23-year-old has been dominating in the minors this year, as evidenced by his jaw-dropping strikeout rate, which seems to have earned him a ticket to the big leagues.

Karinchak has punched out 74 batters in just 30.1 minor league innings, resulting in an insane 81% strikeout rate or a 22.0 K/9.

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

To put his insane K rate into perspective, Josh Harder currently paces the MLB with his 16.6 K/9, a figure which Karinchak absolutely trumps.

Cleveland called up the strikeout specialist from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday to bolster its September bullpen that will be without closer Brad Hand for an undisclosed amount of time.

Karinchak can do more than just punch people out. The 23-year-old has a 2.67 ERA and has given up 16 hits, 17 walks, nine earned runs and logged eight saves in those 30.1 innings.

Report: Cleveland Indians call up relief pitcher James Karinchakhttps://t.co/faFyuYrCKQ pic.twitter.com/SbLxDfNEhB
— WKYC Channel 3 News (@wkyc) September 12, 2019

The Indians are set to face the division-leading Twins for three games this weekend. Sitting just four games back, the Tribe has a chance to make up ground against a team with its own issues.