Spring training position battles

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Tampa Bay Rays: Fifth Starter

Wade wins the final spot: Despite a horrific spring, Wade Davis will be the Rays' fifth starter, pushing Andy Sonnanstine into the bullpen to presumably take over for the injured J.P. Howell.

Mark Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times explains that manager Joe Maddon thought "the uncertainty may have weighed on [Davis]," which may explain his 10.24 ERA this spring.

Davis certainly has the pedigree to pitch in the majors -- he's the 15th-best prospect in the majors, according to our own Keith Law:

Keith Law

Davis' strong stuff

"In a perfect world, he's a borderline No. 1 starter because of the velocity and potential for multiple out pitches, with a strong likelihood that he'll settle in just below that and soak up substantial innings with above-average performance."

To see more position battles -- including updates on prospect Jenrry Mejia, the center-field job for the Yankees, the Royals' starter issues and more -- you must be an ESPN Insider.

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