Rays manager Joe Maddon announced the he hops to name the Rays fifth starter on Saturday. They haven't come to a decision just yet, but are getting close according to Maddon. Bedard and Jake Odorizzi are the two most likely candidates to occupy that final spot in the rotation while Jeremy Hellickson is on the disabled list, but Cesar Ramos could be a darkhorse in the race.

Erik Bedard surrendered four runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings Friday in a loss to the Blue Jays. It might have been Bedard's finale with the Rays. He appears to be losing the battle for a rotation spot, and he's already made it clear that he doesn't intend to accept a minor league assignment.

Erik Bedard will use an opt-out clause rather than accept an assignment to Triple-A if he doesn't make the Rays. Bedard's opt-out date is March 31, also known as Opening Day. "There's a lot of starters who have been hurt so there's a lot of chances and I'll probably go somewhere else," Bedard said. "Every day it seems like a starter goes down. There's a lot of opportunities out there if I'm not on the team." The left-hander, competing with Cesar Ramos and Jake Odorizzi for the last spot in the rotation, signed a minor-league contract with Tampa Bay the day camp opened. Rays manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday that he'll likely announce the winner of the No. 5 starter competition on Saturday. Bedard doesn't want to pitch out of the bullpen and isn't currently being considered for that role.

Erik Bedard rebounded from a rough spring debut to shut out the Yankees for three innings in the Rays' 5-5 win Wednesday. Fifth-starter candidates Bedard, Cesar Ramos (2 ER in 2 2/3 IP) and Jake Odorizzi (0 ER in 1 IP) all pitched for the Rays today. Odorizzi seemed like the clear favorite to get the nod when Jeremy Hellickson went down, but that's completely up in the air now.

Erik Bedard surrendered three runs in an inning Friday in a loss to the Orioles. Bedard allowed three hits, walked two and threw a wild pitch in a rough Rays debut. He's a possibility for both the rotation and the bullpen this spring, but he's far from a lock to make the team.

Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said Friday that Erik Bedard will be given an opportunity to compete for the team's final rotation spot. With Jeremy Hellickson beginning the season on the disabled list, the Rays have a sudden vacancy in their rotation. While Jake Odorizzi appears to be the most likely candidate to fill that spot, Bedard could be a factor as well. The veteran southpaw has displayed high-strikeout ability in the past, and the Rays coaching staff is well-known for successful reclamation projects.

Rays signed LHP Erik Bedard to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times first reported Thursday that a deal was close, and now FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal says it's done. The Rays needed to enhance their pitching depth following Jeremy Hellickson's injury, and they've now done so with the addition of Nate Karns and Bedard over the last two days. Bedard put up a 4.59 ERA and 1.48 WHIP last season for the Astros but struck out 138 across 151 innings.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports that Erik Bedard is likely to sign a minor league deal with the Rays. It was Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com that first reported earlier this week that Bedard and the Rays could be a fit. The 34-year-old southpaw put up a 4.59 ERA and 1.48 WHIP last season for the Astros but did strike out 138 across 151 innings. He's not a bad depth addition for Tampa.

Erik Bedard officially filed for free agency on Thursday. It was a very difficult season for the 34-year-old southpaw in Houston. He remained healthy enough to toss 151 innings, his highest total since 2007, but was mostly rendered ineffective, compiling a 4.59 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 138/75 K/BB. His days as an effective Major League starter are likely over, but there could still be teams willing to take a shot on him as a left-handed specialist or long reliever.

Erik Bedard shut the Yankees out over seven innings on Sunday, scattering three hits, but was stuck with a no-decision. The southpaw struck out nine and didn't walk a batter in the gem. Bedard surprisingly remained healthy enough to give Houston 151 innings this year, the most he's thrown since 2007 with the Orioles. The 34-year-old went 4-12 with a 4.59 ERA and 1.48 WHIP.