Blogs

Jeff Karstens

Pitcher
Position
P
Bats
R
Throws
R
 
  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 175 lbs
  • Born: Sep 24, 1982

  • Debut: August 22, 2006

SEASON

IPWSKERA

Newsbreakers

November 30, 2009

Jeff Karstens has been out-righted to Triple-A Indianapolis, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

No one claimed him after the Bucs designated him for assignment ten days ago, so barring an upset, he will begin the 2010 season in the minor leagues. In 39 appearances (13 starts) in 2009, he went 4-6 with a 5.42 ERA. Pitcher Justin Thomas was also out-righted after being designated for assignment ten days ago.

November 20, 2009

The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated pitcher Jeff Karstens for assignment, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Karstens was 4-6 with a 5.42 ERA in 39 appearances (13 starts) last season.

Our View:

It looks like Karstens isn't in the future plans for the Pirates next season, which is a bit of a surprise. He is out of minor league options, which could have been a major reason why this move was made, but he will be in someone's plans next year.

October 4, 2009

Jeff Karstens pitched on short rest on Sunday and lasted only 2.1 innings as the Pirates fell to the Reds 6-0. Karstens allowed two runs on four hits while walking one and striking out two.

Our View:

Karstens didn't pitch all that badly today, but the team didn't feel the need to stretch him on three-days rest. He finished the season with a 5.42 ERA and a 4-6 record.

October 3, 2009

Jeff Karstens will start on three days rest on Sunday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

After starting just once June 5 before last week, Karstens will now take the mound for the second time in five days after Kevin Hart was scratched with a rib injury. With the game being utterly meaningless, don't expect the team to push his 27-year-old arm very far.

September 30, 2009

Making just his second start since June 5, Jeff Karstens pitched five innings of two-run ball at Wrigley Field, as the Pirates won the second game of a double-header 8-2.

Our View:

It was a solid start for Karstens, who will surely be considered for the Pirates' 2010 rotation.

September 25, 2009

Jeff Karstens allowed one earned run on three hits over three innings in Friday's 3-1 win over the Dodgers at PNC Park. He had no walks and one strikeout.

Our View:

Karstens did not pitch deep enough into the game to earn a win. This marked his first start since June 5, when he was rocked for six earned runs over 5.2 innings at Houston.

September 24, 2009

Jeff Karstens will start for the Pirates on Friday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

Karstens last started on June 5. In 97.2 innings over 36 appearances this season, he has a 5.53 ERA.

September 9, 2009

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Pirates have activated right-hander Jeff Karstens from the 15-day disabled list.

Our View:

Karstens went down on August 25th with back soreness, and the club likely didn't miss his 5.03 ERA and 1.46 WHIP. Still, this is the Pirates we're talking about, so you have to assume they'll take what they can get.

August 26, 2009

Pirates' beat writer Dejan Kovacevic is reporting on his Twitter page that the team has placed pitcher Jeff Karstens on the 15-day DL with a lower back strain. No corresponding move has been announced by the team at this time.

Our View:

Karstens was placed on the bereavement list five days ago with no explanation, so maybe he was sad about his sore back. At any rate, Karstens will be out of the bullpen until September, but he should return close to his eligibility date.

August 21, 2009

Jeff Karstens has been placed on the bereavement list by the Pirates, according to the Twitter page of Pirates' beat writer Dejan Kovacevic.

Our View:

No word yet as to what exactly happened that caused Karstens to be placed on the list, but he should be out for a few games. He has no fantasy value now that he is pitching out of the bullpen, so this shouldn't affect anyone's team.

June 10, 2009

Jeff Karstens had to step into Wednesday night's game at the start of the second inning to replace the injured Charlie Morton (hamstring). He ended up with his third win of the season as he last 4.2 innings and allowed just one run. He walked none, struck out none, and allowed four hits in the game.

Our View:

When Morton was called up, Karstens was demoted to the bullpen. It sounds as if Morton will be unable to make his next start, and Karstens will probably take his place. The 26-year-old is not quite on the fantasy radar yet as he is carrying a 5.16 ERA for the Pirates.

June 10, 2009

The Pirates have moved pitcher Jeff Karstens to the bullpen in order to open up a spot for Charlie Morton, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirms.

Our View:

Karstens hasn't worked out as a starter, and the step down to a bullpen spot may turn into a good thing. He has no value.

June 5, 2009

Jeff Karstens was lit up for six earned runs on nine hits over 5.2 innings in Friday's 9-1 loss at Houston. He had four walks and two strikeouts.

Our View:

Karstens now has a losing record at 2-3, with a poor 5.30 ERA. He has allowed four or more runs for the fourth time this season, and is too unstable to use outside of NL-only leagues.

May 30, 2009

Jeff Karstens only surrendered two earned runs on six hits over seven innings in Saturday's 7-4 win over Houston at PNC Park. He had one walk and four strikeouts.

Our View:

Karstens earned his first win over six starts in May, and improved to 2-2 for the season. Karstens' fantasy value remains limited to NL-only leagues.

May 24, 2009

Jeff Karstens did not factor into the decision on Sunday as the Pirates got two in the ninth to beat the White Sox 4-3. Karstens went 5.2 innings and allowed three runs on five hits while walking one and striking out two.

Our View:

Not a bad performance for Karstens, but unfortunately for him his team did not get their runs until the ninth. Karstens is a very average pitcher with average stuff, so his fantasy value is not great. Maybe NL-only leagues, but probably just deeper ones.

May 14, 2009

Jeff Karstens took the loss for the Pirates on Thursday as Pittsburgh fell to the Cardinals 5-1. Karstens went six innings and allowed three runs on seven hits while striking out two.

Our View:

Karstens wasn't bad on Thursday, but his team could only muster one run of support. Karstens is just an average pitcher at this point and should probably only be owned in NL-only leagues if at all.

May 4, 2009

Jeff Karstens is appealing his fine dealt by the MLB for hitting Ryan Braun with a pitch during battle with the Brewers, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

Pirates' GM Neal Huntington defends Karstens, and noted that he was not ordered to hit Braun despite the outfielder's allegation.

May 3, 2009

Jeff Karstens lasted only five innings on Sunday as he took the loss against the Reds. Karstens gave up five runs (four earned) on six hits while walking four and striking out only one.

Our View:

Karstens was just average, possibly below, today but it wouldn't have mattered as his team failed to score off Reds' starter Johnny Cueto. Karstens in now 1-1 on the season, but he has an ERA of 5.85 and only has nine strikeouts in 20 innings.

April 21, 2009

Jeff Karstens held the Marlins to just one run in six innings of work as the Pirates won 3-2 on Tuesday. He struck out three while allowing three hits and two walks.

Our View:

Karstens second outing was far better than his first. Inconsistency can be expected from the young pitcher, but he does carry a lot of upside. He figures to be a fixture in the Pirates rotation as long as he can limit his base runners. He is certainly worth keeping an eye on.

April 14, 2009

Jeff Karstens pitched a simulated game Monday and is scheduled to make his first start of the season Thursday against the Astros, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

Karstens fared well in spring training, and is worth a look for NL-only leagues. His first start was previously pushed back due to rain.

April 11, 2009

With Friday's rainout, scheduled starter Jeff Karstens will be available out of the bullpen until his next scheduled turn on Thursday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

Karstens, who pitched pretty well for the Pirates after coming over via trade last year, is the team's No. 5 starter. His first start will have to wait until next week.

April 1, 2009

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Jeff Karstens has won the battle to become the fifth-starter in the Pirates rotation. On Tuesday, he allowed 10 hits, two walks, and five earned runs to the Twins. He holds a 6.17 ERA this spring.

Our View:

The 26-year-old may not last long on the major league level if he struggles out of the gate. Tom Gorzelany and Virgil Vazquez are both on the outside looking in but could earn a call-up in short order.

March 31, 2009

Jeff Karstens will start today's game against the Twins, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

Karstens needs a solid outing while competing with Virgil Vasquez for the fifth spot in the rotation. His fantasy value is unsettled as of now.

March 25, 2009

Jeff Karstens gave up five hits, two runs including a home run, allowed two walks and had five strikeouts in five innings on Wednesday.

Our View:

Karstens is really battling Virgil Vasquez for the fifth spot in the Pirates' rotation. His value will become more clear once the Pirates brass makes their decision.

March 25, 2009

Jeff Karstens will start Wednesday's game against the Rays, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

Karstens needs a solid outing while still battling Virgil Vasquez for the fifth spot in the Pirates' rotation.

March 20, 2009

Jeff Karstens is slated to start today's game against the Red Sox, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

He is replacing Tom Gorzelanny, who was demoted Wednesday. Karstens is competing with Virgil Vasquez for a spot in the rotation.

February 16, 2009

Jeff Karstens, who was shut down in January due to minor elbow soreness, threw off a mound Sunday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

The 26-year-old will be competing for a spot in the Pirates' rotation and would be worth a look in NL-only leagues, if healthy.

January 23, 2009

Jeff Karstens may sit out the first week or two of spring training, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He was dealing with minor elbow pain last week at minicamp.

Our View:

He resumed throwing earlier in the week, and his decision to delay his start of spring training would be precautionary. The 26-year-old will be competing for a spot in the Pirates' rotation and would be worth a look in NL-only leagues, if healthy.

January 20, 2009

Jeff Karstens has resumed throwing Monday after being shut down a few days with minor elbow pain, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

Barring a setback, he should be ready for the start of spring training. The 26-year-old hurler will be competing for a spot in the Pirates' rotation, and could be worth a look in NL-only leagues.

January 16, 2009

Jeff Karstens was held out of minicamp today due to minor elbow pain, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Our View:

GM Neal Huntington believes he will only be held out through the weekend and be ready for spring training.

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