Tepesch, Haley stretch out for starter's spot

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Although they're both on the periphery of the competition for the fifth spot in the rotation, Twins right-handers Nick Tepesch and Justin Haley were both stretched out against the Phillies in a 4-2 win on Thursday.
With a strong spring, Adalberto Mejía has emerged as the slight favorite in the race for the fifth spot, although Tyler Duffey has been pitching well of late. José Berríos didn't pitch much in the World Baseball Classic, which has hurt his chances.
Tepesch, a non-roster invitee with 40 big league starts with the Rangers and Dodgers, went 3 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks, giving up both runs on a two-run shot from Odúbel Herrera in the first.

"Tep was up a lot in the first inning," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "He was having trouble getting the ball down but he got better as the outing went along."
Molitor also indicated that Tepesch appears amenable to opening the year at Triple-A Rochester as a starter, but when asked about it, Tepesch deflected the question.
"I'm not thinking about that, honestly," Tepesch said. "I'm just taking the ball every time I get and trying to compete."
Haley, a Rule 5 Draft pick, was impressive, throwing 2 2/3 scoreless innings, giving up two hits and a walk with a strikeout. Haley still has a solid chance to make the team, but it's more likely to come in a long relief role.

"I thought Haley had a nice day," Molitor said. "He was aggressive and attacked pretty well. I think his fastball plays up for whatever reason. I don't know if it's the crossfire or that little tuck he does, but the ball seems to get on guys."