The Rays optioned Burch Smith down to the minors after his Grapefruit League outing on Friday against the Blue Jays, according to Tampa Tribune.
Smith, who was viewed as an outside candidate for a rotation spot, was hit hard for six runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three over 3 2/3 innings of work. The competition will be down to Nathan Karns, Matt Andriese, Mike Montgomery and Everett Teaford, according to the Tampa Bay Times.