Texas Tech University Athletics
Karns Called Up to Nationals - Will Make MLB Debut Tuesday
May 27, 2013 | Baseball
Karns was named the Nationals Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season
May 27, 2013
LUBBOCK, Texas - Former Texas Tech right-handed pitcher Nathan Karns has been added to the Washington Nationals 25-man roster and is scheduled to make his big-league debut on Tuesday, May 28 in a start against the Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. at 6:05 p.m. CT.
Karns, 25, was the organization's 2012 Minor League Pitcher of the Year and started the season on the Nationals' 40-man roster while pitching in Double-A at Harrisburg where he went 4-2 with a 4.60 ERA in nine starts with one complete game, 45.0 innings pitched, 55 strikeouts and 18 walks.
Karns will become Texas Tech's 24th player to make their MLB debut, and its fifth Tech pitcher in the last four years. When Karns makes his debut, Tech will have had 16 players (12 pitchers) make their big-league debut since 2000.
He entered the year ranked as the No. 6 prospect in the Nationals organization following his 2012 campaign where he led all Washington minor leaguers with a 2.17 ERA and 148 strikeouts. Twice Karns earned Carolina League Pitcher of the Week and named a Minor League Baseball All-Star.
A 12th round draft pick by the Nationals in 2009, Karns pitched two seasons at Texas Tech (2008-09) after starting his collegiate career at North Carolina State in 2007. He was a 10th round draft pick out of high school in 2006 but opted for a collegiate career.
In his first season at Tech in 2008, Karns tied for the team lead with 12 starts while winning three games and tallying 48 strikeouts in 50 innings. He ranked second on the team in both strikeouts and innings pitched.
Karns remains the last Red Raider to strikeout at least seven batters in a career starting debut when he tallied seven strikeouts in a four-inning start allowing two hits against Oral Roberts on February 24, 2008 in San Antonio.
As a junior in 2009, Karns again led the Red Raiders in starts (13) while winning five games and ranking among team leaders with 57 strikeouts in 54.1 innings pitched.
Last September A.J. Ramos - one of Karns' teammates at Tech - made his MLB debut for the Miami Marlins where he is currently one of the team's top relievers.
TEXAS TECH PLAYERS MAKING MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT:
Nathan Karns (2008-09) - called up 5/27/13 - Washington Nationals (RHP)
AJ Ramos (2006-09) - MLB Debut 9/4/12 - Miami Marlins (RHP)
Zach Stewart (2008) - MLB Debut 6/16/12 - Toronto Blue Jays (RHP)
Josh Tomlin (2006) - MLB Debut 7/27/10 - Cleveland Indians (RHP)
Dustin Richardson (2005-06) - MLB Debut 9/28/09 - Boston Red Sox (LHP)
Dallas Braden (2004) - MLB Debut 4/24/07 - Oakland Athletics (LHP)
Jeff Karstens (2003) - MLB Debut 8/22/06 - New York Yankees (RHP)
Chris Sampson (1999) - MLB Debut 6/2/06 - Houston Astros (RHP)
Joe Dillon (1996-97) - MLB Debut 5/18/05 - Florida Marlins (1B)
Steve Watkins (1998) - MLB Debut 8/21/04 - San Diego Padres (RHP)
Trey Lunsford (1999-2000) - MLB Debut 9/12/02 - San Francisco Giants (C)
Josh Bard (1997-99) - MLB Debut 8/23/02 - Colorado Rockies (C)
Travis Driskill (1991-93) - MLB Debut 4/26/02 - Cleveland Indians (RHP)
Stubby Clapp (1996) - MLB Debut 6/18/01 - St. Louis Cardinals (2B)
Matt Miller (1994-96) - MLB Debut 5/8/01 - Detroit Tigers (LHP)
Keith Ginter (1997-98) - MLB Debut 9/20/00 - Houston Astros (2B)
Brandon Kolb (1995) - MLB Debut 5/12/00 - San Diego Padres (RHP)
Travis Smith (1994-95) - MLB Debut 6/21/98 - Milwaukee Brewers (RHP)
Ryan Nye (1994-95) - MLB Debut 6/7/97 - Philadelphia Phillies (RHP)
Mark Brandenburg (1991-92) - MLB Debut 7/20/95 - Texas Rangers (RHP)
Donald Harris (1988-89) - MLB Debut 9/4/91 - Texas Rangers (OF)
Mike Humphreys (1985-88) - MLB Debut 7/29/91 - New York Yankees (LF)
Doug Ault (1971-72) - MLB Debut 9/6/76 - Texas Rangers (1B/LF)
Chuck Harrison (1961-62) - MLB Debut 9/15/65 - Houston Astros (1B)
