Sonnanstine looks much better in second start

Posted Mar 11, 2010 by Roger Mooney

Updated Mar 11, 2010 at 02:27 PM

By ROGER MOONEY

Andy Sonnanstine’s second start of the spring was a complete 180 from his first start.

The right-hander, who’s competing for the last spot in the rotation or the last spot in the bullpen, allowed one hit, one walk and struck out three in four scoreless innings today against the Blue Jays at Charlotte Sports Park.

Sonnanstine has made changes to his delivery, designed to give him better control in the strike zone.

He tried them out during his first start last week against the Red Sox, but had trouble with his control and couldn’t make the necessary adjustments. As a result, he walked the first three batters he faced then allowed an RBI single. He lasted an inning and allowed two runs, one hit and those three walks.

The Rays seem committed to Wade Davis as their fifth starter, yet Davis allowed five runs on three hits and three walks in two innings Thursday against the Pirates in Bradenton. Davis struck out two.

Davis also walked three batters in his first outing. He lasted 1 2/3 innings and allowed two hits and one run against the Red Sox last week.