Gomes, Luecke appear to win bullpen spots

SARASOTA, Fla. -- While nothing official has been announced, right-handers Brandon Gomes and Josh Lueke appear to be choices to claim the final two spots in the Rays' bullpen.

That means the Rays will start the season with Grant Balfour as the closer, Jake McGee, Joel Peralta, and Heath Bell in setup roles, Cesar Ramos as the long man, then Gomes and Lueke.

Juan Carlos Oviedo was expected to be in the mix, but the fact that he was late to camp due to visa issues coupled with the fact he hasn't pitched in a Major League game since September 2011, complicated matters.

Thus, Oviedo doesn't appear headed for the Opening Day roster, primarily due to the fact the Rays are concerned about rushing him and having him get re-injured. Oviedo missed all of 2012 and 2013 after Tommy John surgery to his right elbow.