Karns refuses to dodge the AL East

SARASOTA, Fla. - Pitchers have a tendency to avoid the American League East as if it's a contagious disease. Especially the ones who are attempting a comeback and willing to accept a one-year deal in order to reestablish their value on the free agent market.

Then there's Nathan Karns, who preferred a team like the Orioles, based on their division. As crazy as it might sound.

"I think it's one of the premiere divisions in the league, and you want to beat the biggest names and they tend to be in this division," said Karns, who is guaranteed $800,000 on his major league deal after missing last season with elbow soreness.

"It's the opportunity to put my foot back into a clear name. I've been injured for a little bit, but they really saw what I had to do this offseason, my bullpen. When a team believes in you, you want to play for them. I feel like at that time you have each other's back."

Must say something about his competitive nature. Right?

"I have no idea what it says about me," he replied. "Maybe it's a little silly to think this is the division to make a comeback in, but I look forward to the challenges. I really do."

Karns knows the AL East, making 28 starts among 29 appearances with the Rays after the Nationals traded him in February 2014. He posted a 3.67 ERA and struck out 145 batters in 147 innings in 2015.

"Had a lot of success my rookie season in '15 here in the AL East," he said. "The lineups are a little bit different, but at the same time it's still the competitive level that I want to be in. Go to the biggest cities, play in front of the biggest crowds, there's a lot of rivalries here, so I look forward to it. I really do."

He also knows hardships, denied the chance to pitch with the Royals after May 19, 2017. He underwent thoracic outlet surgery two months later and was shut down the following March with inflammation in his elbow.

"It can be frustrating at times, but you've just got to remember the big picture, you know?" Karns said. "You keep fighting to have another opportunity back out here. I've been able to do that so far, but I'd like to get back on the field and show them why teams keep giving me opportunities.

"In '16, (the Royals) kept a close eye on me after surgery, and '17 we did the same thing. Then we tried to get to the point where I went down to Arizona to kind of compete and get back to game level and unfortunately ran into some issues and ran out of time at the end of the season."

The Orioles watched Karns throw in the offseason and made their offer, which includes a possible $200,000 in incentives. He's competing for a spot in the rotation, but also could be used as a swing man. It's all based on health and getting back to his earlier form, which enabled him to average 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

The incentives hinge on his innings, which leads to the obvious question: How many starts are realistic for someone who's pitched in nine games since 2016?

"I mean, I have no idea what to expect," he said. "Once you've been gone for a couple years, you keep working and see what everybody's going to give you. For me I'm just looking forward to pushing that boundary and seeing how far I can really commit and produce quality performance out there.

"I'm going to keep doing my workouts, do the same preparations as if it's a normal season and just take it day by day."

Only nine of Karns' 63 appearances in the majors have come out of the bullpen, but he's not in a position to state a preference. Start or relieve. Just give him the ball. Let him reach for it with a healthy arm.

"Anything, to be honest with you," he said. "Anything to be out there competing and being in the dugout with the boys at that moment. Anything, really."

Nathan Karns, left, works out alongside Gabriel Ynoa at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota.