The Mariners on Monday sent three players down to the minors, including pitcher James Paxton, which means Nathan Karns has won the final spot in the team's starting rotation.
The Mariners Monday sent down three players to the minor leagues, including pitcher James Paxton, a decision that also meant Nathan Karns has won the job as the team’s fifth starter.
Also sent down were Stefen Romero, competing with Dae-Ho Lee as a right-handed first baseman, and shortstop Chris Taylor, which means Luis Sardinas will be the team’s utility infielder.
While none was necessarily a surprise, there had been a thought the decision on the fifth starter might at least wait until after Karns pitches on Monday against the Kansas Citiy Royals.