Ramirez has begun throwing a curveball in an effort to transition to a starter, The Orange County Register reports.
Ramirez was told he would compete for a starting rotation spot this spring, so he added another off-speed pitch to help keep hitters off balance after relying on a power fastball and slider as a reliever. Pitching coach Charlie Nagy has noticed a difference, citing Ramirez's ability to throw the pitch for strikes to lefties. The 28-year-old remains a long shot to make the rotation, but the club could keep him around for Opening Day as a swingman out of the bullpen.