Taylor and Karns double up for weekly honors in Carolina League

Single-A teammates Michael Taylor and Nathan Karns have been recognized with Player of the Week honors in the Carolina League. Taylor was selected as the Hitter of the Week thanks to a 14-for-29 surge (.483) in seven games, with three home runs, eight RBIs and eight runs. One of the homers was a grand slam, giving Taylor a .931 slugging percentage for the week. He also had hits in eight consecutive plate appearances during the weekend against Myrtle Beach. Taylor is batting .245 for the season and has been a leader on the field for his fellow outfielders, barking out directions and defensive field positioning relays from the dugout. He has 15 stolen bases and 29 doubles on the season. For the second time this season, right-hander Karns has been named the Pitcher of the Week in the Carolina League. The 24-year-old fired six scoreless innings with one hit allowed and just two walks in a win over Lynchburg on Monday. He followed that start with another six innings Saturday, where he allowed no hits. Only one base runner reached base due to an error. Karns was 2-0 with 12 scoreless innings for the week and has a 6-0 record in his last seven starts. He hasn't lost a game since June 9, and his ERA is 1.88. You have to think he deserves a shot at Double-A Harrisburg just to see what he can do before the season is over. Karns and Alex Meyer have the best stuff in the minors right now for the Nationals.