SURPRISE, Ariz. — Nathan Karns has won the crowded competition for the lone vacancy in the Kansas City Royals’ rotation, getting the nod Monday from manager Ned Yost.
Karns beat out holdover Chris Young and left-hander Travis Wood for the fifth spot.
Karns was acquired Jan. 6 from Seattle for outfielder Jarrod Dyson. The 29-year-old righty hasn’t exactly been lights-out in spring training — a 7.36 ERA in four starts, allowing nine earned runs on 14 hits over 11 innings, striking out 14 and walking four.
“He’s got three ‘plus’ pitches,” Yost said. “We like his power.