Nate

Karns

Karns was dumped from the Orioles’ 40-man roster late last month and refused an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. The 31-year-old has missed a large portion of the 2019 season due to a right forearm strain and struggled mightily on a recent minor league rehab assignment.

Karns was designated for assignment on July 26 and passed through waivers unclaimed. The 31-year-old has missed a large majority of the 2019 season due to a right forearm strain. He can now elect to become a free agent but would be surrendering what’s left of his $800,000 salary.

The 31-year-old hurler has posted an 8.71 ERA, 1.94 WHIP and 5/10 K/BB ratio over 10 1/3 innings so far while on a minor league rehab assignment. He hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since April due to a right forearm strain and still doesn’t appear to be close, which could mean he’ll pass through waivers without issue.

Karns has struggled to a 6.43 ERA in seven minor league rehab innings so far between the Gulf Coast League, High-A Frederick, and Double-A Bowie. There is no rush on the Orioles’ part to activate the 31-year-old right-hander, who has been out since April with a forearm strain.

Karns allowed three runs on two hits and three walks before getting pulled. He threw 35 pitches, only 19 of which were strikes. The right-hander would seem to be recovered from the forearm strain that sent him to the IL back in April -- this was his fifth rehab appearance -- but he may have to show better results in the minors before the Orioles activate him.

He’ll pitch the first game of a doubleheader there. It is the fifth rehab appearance for Karns, who should be ready to return from the injured list sometime later this month. He’s been out since April 9 with a forearm strain.

Karns has been out since early April with a forearm strain, and he’ll now be sidelined through at least early June. This move clears out a 40-man roster spot for Josh Lucas, who has rejoined the O’s bullpen.

Karns was sent to Dr. James Andrews for an examination after experiencing renewed discomfort around his right elbow and forearm, but there are no issues with his UCL or any forearm ligaments. He was given a cortisone injection and will be shut down for a bit before trying to resume a throwing program. There is obviously no timetable at this point for his return to the Orioles’ active roster.

Karns was pulled off a minor league rehab assignment last week after experiencing renewed discomfort in his troublesome right forearm, but he checked out fine with Orioles team doctors this week. Still, there’s no real timetable for his return to Baltimore’s active roster.

The hope is that he’ll be cleared to resume his rehab assignment, but that appears to be up in the air. Karns has been on the injured list for the last three weeks.