Talbot, Hernandez optioned to minors

BRADENTON — The race for the fifth spot in the Tampa Bay Rays rotation became less crowded Monday when Mitch Talbot and Carlos Hernandez were optioned to the minor league camp.

That leaves David Price, Jeff Niemann and Jason Hammel. The race is really between Niemann and Hammel, and Hammel could be the winner based on how the innings are going to be doled out over the next few games.

Hammel is scheduled to start, while Niemann’s innings will come in the bullpen.

Hernandez needs work

Carlos Hernandez, signed last July, is still working his way back from the arm injuries that ended his days with the Astros.

He pitched in four games this spring with three starts and had a 2.25 ERA in 12 innings. More importantly, the left-hander proved to the Rays that is capable of returning to the big leagues.

“Sincerely, I believe this man is on a mission, I do,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said. “I believe he’s on a mission to get back to the Major Leagues as a Major League pitcher, starter. I believe he can do it. And I believe he can pitch at a high end for many years to come, with health, of course. I told him pretty much those thoughts. I find this fellow exciting. And I find his intensity exciting. And find his drive to be all this sincere, and that’s why I believe he’ll do it.”

Hernandez, who pitched in 35 games with the Astros, making 33 starts, pitched without pain this spring. and feels on pace to return someday.

“I’m healthy. That’s the main thing. I’m healthy,” Hernandez said. “And that’s all that matters to me right now. I wanted to prove to them I can pitch in the big leagues during spring training games. I did that, I think. Regular season, I have to prove that again. But the main thing for me is to prove I’m healthy for a long time. I’ve got that (history of injuries) with me. That’s something I’m going to be carrying my whole career.”

Beckham optioned to minors

In most years, the No. 1 pick in the previous draft would cause quite a stir in Rays camp.

But aside from being teased by the vets and running a triple into a double Sunday when he tripped over second base, Beckham went largely unnoticed this spring.

He was optioned to the minor leagues Monday so he can get regular playing time.

“I learned so much,” Beckham said. “Mentally on defense and physically on defense; the small stuff from holding runners on and just focusing more on the more easy plays.”

Also optioned

The Rays also optioned pitchers Wade Davis, Dale Thayer and Randy Choate to Triple A Durham.

Pitchers Jake McGee, Jason Childers, Dewon Day, Julio DePaula and Winston Abrue and infielder Chris Nowak and catcher Matt Spring were optioned to the minor league camp.

Sonny feels good

Andy Sonnanstine allowed a run in his three innings in the Rays 6-4 victory against the Pirates on Monday at McKechnie Field. He allowed three hits and struck out two and didn’t walk a batter,