Follow the bouncing ball with James Karinchak: Guardians takeaways

James Karinchak has been playing for the Guardians since July 2. He has made nine straight scoreless appearances. Karincak is talking to himself when he's pitching. Terry Francona thinks Karinak's team clinched something on Wednesday. . .. The team won 7-4. It was the first game since the All-Star break. They were playing at Fenway Park. Boston fans booed Karinsak. His team was playing the Red Sox.. A right shoulder injury kept Kar inshientak from joining the team until July.

Justin Verlander made his big league debut against Cleveland on July 4, 2005. Verler hasn't pitched for Detroit since 2017. He's 21-24 with a 4.61 ERA against the team formerly called the Indians. Francona signed Verlier for $50 million after Tommy John surgery.

Sandy Leon was designated for assignment on July 8. He was traded to the Twins for Ian Hamilton. Francona likes the way the team treats its players. The Twins beat Detroit on Wednesday to keep their one-game lead in the AL Central. The Guardians are second in their division.

The Guardians started four rookies against Verlander. They started three against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. There are six rookies on the 26-man roster. Friday's game will be started by some combination of Kirk McCarty and Bryan Shaw.

James Karinchak and his friends are following the bouncing ball with James Karincak.