Mariners Game Preview: Karns to take mound against Reds

Aug 30, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nathan Karns (51) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nathan Karns (51) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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After the first roster cuts were made this morning, the M’s take on the Reds for the second and final time this spring.

The Seattle Mariners (7-5) will take on the Cincinnati Reds (5-7) in Peoria after defeating the Reds at Goodyear Stadium last night in a split squad affair. A pair of righties will take the mound at the Peoria Sports Complex as the Mariners send Nate Karns (0-0, 1.80) to the bump against the Reds Anthony DeScalfani (1-0 7.20). First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 pm PT.

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In his last start, Karns pitched 3 innings of work, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs as the Mariners fell to the Indians. The 28 year-old was acquired from Tampa Bay over the offseason in a trade and is competing for the number five spot in the rotation. Karns went 7-5 last year with an ERA of 3.67 over 147 innings pitched in 26 starts.

DeScalfani made 31 starts for the Reds last year, going 9-13 with an ERA of 4.05 over 184.2 innings of work. He will be making his third start of the spring.

Here are today’s lineups as announced by Mariners skipper Scott Servais and Reds manager Bryan Price:

Before the lineups were posted, three cuts were made to the team. The biggest names cut were Danny Hultzen, who was optioned to minor league camp after his shoulder setback, and Guillermo Heredia, who was optioned to the Jackson Generals. Also being optioned to minor league camp this morning were pitchers Brad Mills and Paul Fry, Catchers Marcus Littlewood and Steve Lerud, Infielders Benji Gonzalez and Tyler Smith as well as outfielders Mike Baxter and Dario Pizzano.

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Luis Sardinas is getting the start at shortstop today as he competes for the utility infield spot this spring. The 22 year-old has had a great spring so far. In 9 games he is 10-21, hitting .476 with 3 doubles and 7 RBI. I believe he has the edge in this position race and he looks to add to those numbers this afternoon.

Another player to keep your eyes on is Jesus Montero who is starting at first base and is trying to win the right handed platoon spot at first. Montero has had a pedestrian spring and hasn’t opened any eyes hitting .250 with a double and 2 RBI. Despite being a career .292 hitter against lefties, Montero will really need to step it up this spring if he wants to win the platoon role.

Boog Powell is starting in center field as he is vying for the 5th outfielder spot on the roster. The 23 year-old has been flat on offense this spring, hitting .214 with a double and 3 RBI through 9 games this spring. Despite showing off his speed in the outfield with his glove and on the basepaths with a pair of stolen bases, Powell will need to do a little more with the bat if he wants to win that 5th outfield spot.

You can watch today’s game on Root Sports to the familiar commentary of Dave Sims and Mike Blowers. If you are an MLB.tv subscriber you can also watch live on your connected device. And of course you can tune in to 710 ESPN to listen to the voices of Rick Rizzs and Aaron Goldsmith.

Next: James Paxton Dominates Dodgers, But M's Lose

Go follow SoDo Mojo on twitter for live updates throughout today’s game, then check back here for a full recap of the action after the final out has been recorded. Go Mariners!