Duffy endures rough outing amid quest for roster spot

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Left-hander Danny Duffy's campaign to win a bullpen job hit a snag on Saturday, as his two walks were followed by a three-run blast by the Rangers' Michael Choice.

In the eighth inning, Duffy got a strikeout and a groundout before walking Ronald Guzman and Robinson Chirinos.

"I threw a couple of pretty good sliders that [Guzman] swung through and then I just started trying to make the perfect pitch," Duffy said. "I was pumping fastballs and was feeling pretty good, and Choice gets up there and I threw a fastball right belt high and he really slammed it."

Duffy, who lost a rotation spot in competition with Yordano Ventura, has given up six home runs and six walks in 11 innings.

"It's frustrating but we'll get through it," Duffy said.