Indians' Carlos Carrasco to Donate $200 Per Strikeout to Cancer Research

Mike Chiari@mikechiariFeatured ColumnistSeptember 3, 2019

Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco delivers to the Tampa Bay Rays during the seventh inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 1, 2019, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Carrasco is making his first appearance since May, when he was diagnosed with leukemia. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco announced Tuesday that he will make the most of his feel-good return to the mound by giving back to a good cause.

Carrasco launched the "Punchout Cancer with Cookie" campaign, which will see him donating $200 to childhood cancer research for every strikeout he records in the month of September:

Carrasco was placed on the injured list in May with a blood condition, and it was later announced in July that he had been diagnosed with leukemia.

After missing three months of action, the 32-year-old righty returned to the hill for Cleveland on Sunday, allowing two hits and one run in one inning as a reliever against the Tampa Bay Rays.

In the announcement video, Carrasco said: "I have cancer, but cancer doesn't have me. ... I want to remind families that there is always hope."

According to TMZ Sports, Carrasco's teammates are also contributing to the cause. Starting pitcher Shane Bieber pledged $100 for each of his strikeouts, which is no small gesture since his 224 strikeouts are third in the American League this season.

Also, first baseman Carlos Santana is going to donate for every home run he hits and shortstop Francisco Lindor will contribute $1,000 every time the Indians win a game.

Since the Indians are in the thick of a playoff race and hold a one-game lead over the Oakland Athletics for the second wild-card position in the AL, every win will be important for their playoff positioning, as well as the prospect of contributing to childhood cancer research.

Related

    Cruz the Heart of MLB's Most Powerful Lineup Ever

    Nelly still raking at 39-years-old. Some things never change

    MLB logo
    MLB

    Cruz the Heart of MLB's Most Powerful Lineup Ever

    Nelly still raking at 39-years-old. Some things never change

    Jacob Shafer
    via Bleacher Report

    Every Team's Toughest Decision This Winter

    Deciding on trades, extensions and the team's future direction

    Cleveland Indians logo
    Cleveland Indians

    Every Team's Toughest Decision This Winter

    Deciding on trades, extensions and the team's future direction

    Zachary D. Rymer
    via Bleacher Report

    Nats, Down 6 in 9th, Stun Mets in Wild Walk-Off

    MLB logo
    MLB

    Nats, Down 6 in 9th, Stun Mets in Wild Walk-Off

    ESPN.com
    via ESPN.com

    Astros' George Springer Is Day-to-Day After Being Carted Off

    MLB logo
    MLB

    Astros' George Springer Is Day-to-Day After Being Carted Off

    Paul Kasabian
    via Bleacher Report