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Rays' Nathan Karns has strong bounceback start

 
Rays rookie Nathan Karns, coming off a rough first start of the season, is sharp in his second, allowing two runs on two hits in seven innings.
Rays rookie Nathan Karns, coming off a rough first start of the season, is sharp in his second, allowing two runs on two hits in seven innings.
Published April 13, 2015

MIAMI — Rookie RHP Nathan Karns knew he was better than he showed in the first two innings of his season debut Tuesday, and making a third-inning adjustment was of only slight consolation.

On Sunday he was determined to show he could be effective from the start. He was that and more, working seven strong innings, allowing two runs on two hits, as the Rays beat the Marlins 8-5.

"For him to come back and compete like that was an outstanding effort," manager Kevin Cash said.

Even better was that Karns, who threw 106 pitches, allowed the Rays to get rest for high-leverage relievers Kevin Jepsen and Brad Boxberger as they needed the bullpen to get only six outs and used Jeff Beliveau, Kirby Yates and Ernesto Frieri to do so.

Karns, who showed an improved curveball and more aggressive approach, was pleased with everything about the day except the up-and-in pitch from RHP Henderson Alvarez that knocked him down when he was trying to bunt.

"I didn't like that too much," he said. "I was a little off the plate. I'll give him the benefit that it got away from him."

THE BECK SHOW: A day after a pinch-hit homer that was his first in the majors, rookie INF Tim Beckham came up with another big pinch-hit, an RBI triple.

Beckham is one of six players since records were kept in 1914 to have a pinch-hit triple and homer in his first 10 big-league games, the first since Bobby Scales in 2009 for the Cubs. He also is the first player to have a pinch-hit triple and homer in consecutive team games since Leon Durham for the Cubs in 1982.

Beckham is expected to be in the lineup the next three games.

EXCITABLE BOY: Rookie OF Steven Souza Jr. figures his rough start (2-for-16 with eight strikeouts) is the product of being too excited and trying to do too much in his first chance to be a big-league regular: "Trying to show off a little bit instead of just calming down and sticking with the line drive approach that has gotten me here."

PITCHING IN: The Rays made it official that RHP Matt Andriese will make his first major-league start Tuesday in Toronto, with RHP Erasmo Ramirez available to work in relief. That leaves an open slot for Wednesday, though it could be another group effort as it is the first day optioned players can be recalled so they can add fresh arms.

MEDICAL MATTERS: The Rays are now "leaning toward" having LHP Drew Smyly (shoulder tendinitis) make a fourth rehab start, which will delay his return until April 29 or later, Cash said. The reason is they want to make sure Smyly, who will make his second start Tuesday, is fully built up. "He feels great, which is a good thing," Cash said. "So we want to make sure we do it right." … RHP Alex Colome (pneumonia) came through his three-inning Saturday rehab start well and will make another Thursday. … LHP Jake McGee (elbow surgery) is scheduled to throw live batting practice today, his potential last session before moving on to extended spring then rehab games. … RHP Ronald Belisario (left shoulder fracture) will pitch in an extended spring game today. … RHP Alex Cobb (forearm tendinitis) remains limited to playing catch, and Cash said "there is not a time frame on him at all."

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SWING CLUB: Eight-10 Rays hit on the field before Sunday's game, a noticeable difference under Cash as previous manager Joe Maddon felt batting practice was overrated and typically didn't schedule it for day games. Cash said the sessions are "completely optional," designed so players who prefer to hit on the field can while others worked in the cages or not at all. "We don't want to take it away from them," Cash said.

MISCELLANY: There will be a full house and plenty of pomp tonight as the Blue Jays have their home opener, with new commissioner Rob Manfred throwing out the first pitch. … 3B Evan Longoria tied Ben Zobrist for the team's all-time doubles mark with his 229th. … After an 0-for-17 start to the season, C Rene Rivera rapped three straight hits Sunday, including a pair of doubles, matching the extra-base hits total C Jose Molina had all of last year.