Mariners Analysis: Who Should be the M’s 5th Starter in 2016?

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Aug 14, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nathan Karns delivers a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Karns – RHP

The 28-year-old right-hander is the new kid on the block in Seattle. The Mariners acquired Nate Karns from the Tampa Bay Rays in November as part of the return package for Logan Morrison, Brad Miller and Danny Farquhar.

Karns excelled in his first full season in the big leagues, going 7-5 and registering a 3.67 ERA across 27 games in 2015. He struck out 145 and walked 56 through 147 innings of work. Karns limited the opposition to 1.279 walks/hit per inning.

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Originally selected by the Washington Nationals in the 12th round of the 2009 draft, Karns has put together a relatively underwhelming track record in the minor-leagues. He spent much of the 2014 season with Rays AAA affiliate in Durham, where he went 9-9 with a 5.08 ERA.

Baseball Reference is projecting a tiny step backwards for Nate Karns in 2016. They believe he will go 7-6 while posting a 3.92 ERA across 133 innings. FanGraphs is expecting similar results from the Texas Tech alum next season. They are predicting he will go 7-8 with a 4.07 ERA through 128 innings.

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