Locked in a battle for the final rotation spot with a decision looming, Rays pitcher Jake Odorizzi did not make a compelling final case Thursday against the Twins.
Odorizzi came into the game in relief of Cesar Ramos, and struggled through his worst outing of the spring. He was tagged for four runs -- three earned -- on six hits and a walk, while striking out one batter and picking up the save over four innings of work in a 5-4 win.
Odorizzi had not allowed more than a run in any of his previous outings, so this poor outing came at a poor time. With a decision expected by Saturday according to MLB.com, Odorizzi carries a 3.75 ERA in five outings, with eight strikeouts and six walks in 12 innings of work.