Wade Davis

Wade Davis will open the season in the bullpen.

Davis was bested by Jeff Niemann this spring in the race to become the Rays’ fifth starter. The 26-year-old right-hander won’t carry any sort of fantasy value.

Wade Davis figures to open the season in the bullpen, according to CBS Sports’ Danny Knobler.

Tampa Bay is expected to announce its rotation Tuesday. Davis has struggled this spring and appears to have lost the competition for the fifth starter gig to Jeff Niemann.

Wade Davis earned his first spring victory by holding the Marlins to a run over five innings on Tuesday.

Davis, who was coming off a poor outing against Phillies reserves, stuck out five and walked none today. Davis still appears bullpen bound for the Rays, but Jeff Niemann could be facing a key start tomorrow.

Wade Davis surrendered four runs — three earned — and eight hits in four innings as the Rays and a Phillies split-squad played to a 6-6 tie on Thursday.

It was more a Phillies’ ‘B’ squad. While it’s suggested that teams bring at least four regulars on road trips, the closest thing the Phillies had to a regular in their lineup was Ty Wigginton. Which doesn’t say much for Davis’ performance. It’s becoming more and more likely that he’ll be sent to the bullpen, with Jeff Niemann serving as the Rays’ fifth starter.

Wade Davis opened his spring with two scoreless innings Monday against an Orioles split-squad.

Assuming that Matt Moore locks down a spot, there will be just one opening for incumbents Davis and Jeff Niemann in the Tampa Bay rotation. Davis seems like the better bet of the two, but it’s close.

Wade Davis clarified Tuesday that he is not upset with the chatter about him moving to the bullpen.

Davis told reporters Monday that he “doesn’t see any reason” for him to be transitioned to a relief role, but backed away from those comments when addressing the topic again on Tuesday morning. “I understand the situation,” Davis said. “I want to be a starter, but I want to do what’s best for the team, to help us win and get to the postseason.” He will be battling Jeff Niemann this spring for the final spot in the Rays’ starting rotation.

Wade Davis said Monday that he doesn’t want to pitch out of the bullpen.

“I’m a starter,” said Davis, who will compete with Jeff Niemann for the final rotation spot during spring training. “I don’t see any reason for me to be in the bullpen. I understand they’ve got to do certain things, but we’ll see. ? I definitely want to be a starter and stay a starter forever. And that’ll be my mentality.” Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times notes that Davis “wouldn’t have much leverage” to force a trade, so he may have no other choice but to accept a relief role.