TORONTO --- There was good news for a pair of players with local ties over the last 24 hours.

Bryant University product James Karinchak has been recalled by the Indians. The right-handed pitcher in on track to make his major league debut after striking out 74 in just 30 1/3 innings of minor league work this season. Karinchak was a ninth round draft pick by Cleveland in 2017, and he’s the first Bulldog to earn the call since former Red Sox right-hander Keith MacWhorter in 1980. [...]

TORONTO --- There was good news for a pair of players with local ties over the last 24 hours.

Bryant University product James Karinchak has been recalled by the Indians. The right-handed pitcher in on track to make his major league debut after striking out 74 in just 30 1/3 innings of minor league work this season. Karinchak was a ninth round draft pick by Cleveland in 2017, and he’s the first Bulldog to earn the call since former Red Sox right-hander Keith MacWhorter in 1980.

“Laser focus, incredible work ethic and unmatched confidence gets you a shot in the bigs,” said Steve Owens, Karinchak’s former college coach with the Bulldogs. Owens, now at Rutgers, tweeted congratulations from his account @SteveOwens30.

Classical High alum Jeremy Pena received his call from the Dominican Winter League. A minor league infielder with the Houston Astros, Pena was selected No. 6 overall in the league’s draft held on Wednesday.

Pena was a third round selection out of the University of Maine in the 2018 draft. He enjoyed a strong season across two levels with the Astros, stroking 21 doubles and stealing 20 bases while slashing .303/.385/.440 in 109 games. Pena is the son of former big league outfielder Geronimo Pena, who spent seven seasons with the Cardinals and Indians from 1990-96.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @BillKoch25