Rays' Erasmo Ramirez: Pitching solidly despite two spring losses

Ramirez, who took his second loss of spring against the Pirates on Friday, is nevertheless looking refreshed and effective, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis:

The rubber-armed righty gave up three runs (one earned) on four hits and a walk over four innings, but also notched four strikeouts. His spring ERA sits at a solid 3.12, and he has looked as good as he did early last season before he succumbed to some fatigue later in the campaign. Ramirez was on a 60-pitch limit against the Pirates but got through his four frames with 58, 39 of which found the strike zone. If he isn't dealt for a right-handed hitting outfielder, Ramirez is expected to be a valuable asset for the Rays in long relief during the coming season.