Mariners Game Preview: Nate Karns to Make M’s Spring Debut

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

Nate Karns will make his spiring debut for the Seattle Mariners Thursday in Peoria.

The Seattle Mariners (1-0) will battle the San Diego Padres (0-1) for the second consecutive day on Thursday afternoon in Peoria. However, unlike yesterday, the Padres will be the home team this time around. First pitch is scheduled for 12:10 pm PT from the Peoria Sports Complex. Nate Karns will make his Cactus League debut with the Mariners, and Philip Humber will be on the bump for San Diego.

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The M’s acquired Nate Karns this offseason from the Tampa Bay Rays as part of the return package for Logan Morrison, Brad Miller and Danny Farquhar. The 28-year-old right-hander had a breakout campaign last season in Tampa, going 7-5 with a 3.67 ERA across 27 appearances. Karns is currently battling with James Paxton to be the M’s fifth starter in 2016, and today will be his first chance to impress his new organization. Karns will likely pitch the first two innings this afternoon for Seattle.

Some of you may remember the name Philip Humber. The 33-year-old right-hander has posted pedestrian numbers throughout his 8-year career, but he had a very memorable outing at Safeco Field in 2012 as a member for the Chicago White Sox. Humber etched his name in baseball history by pitching a perfect game against the Mariners. Unfortunately for Humber, his career has gone downhill in the years since. He last appeared in the big leagues in 2013, when he went 0-8 with the Houston Astros.

Mariners’ skipper Scott Servais and Padres’ manage Andy Green have released the following lineups for Thursday’s game:

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The Mariners are going with a very different looking starting nine today. Boog Powell will make his first start of the spring in center field. The 23-year-old legged out a double in yesterday’s contest. Steve Clevenger will make his Cactus League debut for the M’s behind the plate. Stefen Romero went yard against the Padres on Wednesday, and the Oregon State alum will start in right field for Seattle on Thursday.

Unfortunately, today’s game will not be televised. But fans in the Pacific Northwest can listen live on 710 ESPN. Baseball is a game that values history, and you feel closer to the roots of the game when you listen on the radio. Plus, it’s always enjoyable to listen to Rick Rizzs.

Next: Mariners Top 20 Prospects: #4 SS Drew Jackson

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

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