Rays Lose 5-0, Put the Decision On the Fifth Starter On Hold For the Moment

The Tampa Bay Rays are coming off a 5-0 shutout loss against the Blue Jays Friday, in a game where LHP Erik Bedard was given one last opportunity to prove his worth to the Rays roster and starting rotation. Much akin to his last four Spring Training outings, Bedard did himself not favors by putting together a 5.2 IP/4 ER/8 H/1 BB/4 K/1 HR outing on 94 pitches (63 strikes). Rays manager Joe Maddon said entering the game that Bedard was very much in the thick of the competition for that final starting job, and a final decision is expected Saturday — though now we’re hearing there’s a chance the announcement will be delayed at least until later Saturday. Per a pair of Marc Topkin tweets,

Rays (are) not ready to name fifth starter, could be later today. Maddon says they are close to decision but need to talk again: “No white smoke yet.”

On the subject of his outing Friday, Bedard said he was happy with how he pitched and felt. He’s aware the fifth starter is “tough decision,” but believes he’s done enough. Further more, Bedard said he’d use the opt out clause in his contract if he doesn’t make the cut, and there’s an injury elsewhere. Otherwise, he’d go with flow and go to Triple-A Durham.

“I felt pretty good,” Bedard said. “I was throwing my breaking ball for strikes whenever, and I was also throwing my changeup and fastball,” Bedard said. “So I thought it was better than my other outing.”

As I mentioned the other day, I think the battle to be the number five starter will come down to Cesar Ramos and Jake Odorizzi, with Ramos (who’s had an excellent spring) ultimately winning the coveted spot. In that scenario, Josh Lueke would earn a spot in the bullpen by default, since he’s out of options. Then again, you never know. Maddon and Co. bequeathed Roberto Hernandez with the fifth starter spot last season, even though he had a lackluster spring.

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