Mariners' Nate Karns: Demoted to bullpen

Karns, who has a 4.56 ERA and 1.45 WHIP, was demoted to the bullpen Tuesday, the Seattle Times reports.

Analysis:

Karns has struggled most of the year, allowing at least four runs in three of his last five starts. He has 84 strikeouts in 81 innings (9.33 K/9), but also has a 4.22 BB/9. With Wade LeBlanc pitching well in his Mariners debut and Taijuan Walker returning from injury, the Mariners can afford to give Karns a rest in the bullpen. Manager Scott Servais said the move is not permanent but didn't give a timefrrame for how long Karns will be out of the rotation. Walker will start Thursday and LeBlanc on Friday