Mariners Analysis: Updating the M’s 5th Starting Pitcher Position Battle

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Mar 17, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (65) pitches during the third inning against the Oakland Athletics at HoHoKam Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher James Paxton (65) pitches during the third inning against the Oakland Athletics at HoHoKam Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nathan Karns (51) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nathan Karns (51) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Nate Karns – RHP

The 28-year-old had a rough start to his week, as he allowed 3 runs on 4 hits through 4 innings of work in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds. However, Nate Karns rebounded in a big way on Friday against the Texas Rangers. He earned his first win of the spring, pitching 4.2 innings of 1-run ball with 7 strikeouts. Karns’ performance against the Rangers was one of the strongest of any M’s hurler this spring.

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Overall, Karns has registered a 3.29 ERA through his first 4 Cactus League outings. His 8:5 strikeout to walk ratio and 1.32 WHIP leave something to be desired, but he is getting the job done right now. Hopefully Karns is able to build on his start against the Rangers during the final two weeks of spring training.

Karns was very effective for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2015 during his first full season in the big leagues. He went 7-5 and posted a 3.67 ERA through 27 appearances. Karns struck out 8.9 batters per 9 innings, and issued 3.4 walks per 9 innings. He struggled at times to keep the ball in the yard, but that should change now that he calls Safeco Field home.

Next: Pax-Man has inconsistent week in Arizona

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