| Nate Karns | |
|---|---|
 Karns with the Washington Nationals | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1987-11-25)November 25, 1987 (age 37) Franklin, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| May 28, 2013, for the Washington Nationals | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| April 8, 2019, for the Baltimore Orioles | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 16–12 |
| Earned run average | 4.30 |
| Strikeouts | 326 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
Nathan Alan Karns (born November 25, 1987) is an American former professionalbaseballpitcher. He played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theWashington Nationals,Tampa Bay Rays,Seattle Mariners,Kansas City Royals, andBaltimore Orioles.
Karns attendedJames W. Martin High School inArlington, Texas, where he played for the school's baseball team.[1] He enrolled atTexas Tech University, where he playedcollege baseball for theTexas Tech Red Raiders baseball team. In 2008, he playedcollegiate summer baseball with theFalmouth Commodores of theCape Cod Baseball League.[2][3]
TheWashington Nationals drafted Karns in the 12th round, with the 352nd overall selection, of the2009 Major League Baseball draft. His professional career was delayed as he had shoulder surgery in 2010, and didn't make his professional debut until 2011.[4]
In 2012, Karns began the year with the Single–AHagerstown Suns, and then was promoted to the High–APotomac Nationals. His combined record was 11–4,[5] and was named the Nationals Minor Pitcher of the Year in 2012.[6] On November 20, 2012, the Nationals added Karns to their40-man roster to protect him from theRule 5 draft.
WhenRoss Detwiler suffered an injury, Karns was called up to take his place in the pitching rotation, and made his major league debut on May 28, 2013.[7] He started, and lasted4+1⁄3 innings, allowing three earned runs, five hits, and two walks, in a game the Nationals won, 9–3.[8]
On February 13, 2014, Karns was traded to theTampa Bay Rays in exchange forJosé Lobatón,Felipe Rivero and Drew Vettleson.[9] Karns spent the majority of the season with the Triple–ADurham Bulls. He made two starts for the Rays in 2014, posting a 4.50 ERA with 14 strikeouts.
Due to numerous injuries to begin the 2015 season, the Rays gave Karns a rotation spot forOpening Day. On July 21, 2015, pitching against thePhiladelphia Phillies in Philadelphia, Karns hit his first major league home run as the Rays defeated the Phillies, 1–0.[10] It was the first time since 1962 that an American League pitcher had homered in a 1–0 game.[11] Karns made 27 appearances (26 starts) for the Rays, averaging nine strikeouts per nine innings despite logging just under six innings per start. He compiled a 7–5 record and 3.67 ERA with 145 strikeouts across 147 innings.
On November 5, 2015, the Rays traded Karns,C. J. Riefenhauser, andBoog Powell to theSeattle Mariners in exchange forBrad Miller,Danny Farquhar, andLogan Morrison.[12]
Karns began the season in Seattle's rotation but was then demoted to thebullpen after struggling. He made eight relief appearances before being shut down for the season in early August with a back strain. Karns finished the season with a 6–2 record, 5.15 ERA, and 101 strikeouts in 941⁄3 innings.[13]
On January 6, 2017, Karns was traded to theKansas City Royals in exchange forJarrod Dyson.[14] His 2017 season with Kansas City was cut short due to injury, undergoing surgery forthoracic outlet syndrome in July.[15] Karns finished the season 2–2 with a 4.17 ERA in nine games (eight starts). He missed the entire 2018 season with right elbow inflammation. Karns elected free agency after the Royals outrighted him to the minors on October 31, 2018.[16]
Karns signed a one–year, major league contract with theBaltimore Orioles on February 7, 2019.[17] The deal was worth a reported $800,000 guaranteed, with $200,000 in incentive bonuses for 100 innings pitched.[18] He appeared in four games before being placed on the disabled list with a forearm strain. On July 26, Karns wasdesignated for assignment by the Orioles.[19] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple–ANorfolk Tides on August 2. Karns was released by the Orioles organization on August 7.[20]
Nathan Karns got married in December 2015 to Jennifer Karns (formerly Jennifer Boecker).[citation needed]
Karns is currently a realtor for real estate firm Rogers Healy and Associates Real Estate inDallas, Texas.[21]