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Steady relief: Rays use bullpen in place of No 4 starter

NEW YORK — The Tampa Bay Rays have an ambidextrous No. 4 starting pitcher: Mr. TBD.

His repertoire changes from outing to outing, along with his age and name. With an 0-1 record this season, he takes the mound Thursday at Boston and goes again Sunday.

Rejecting baseball tradition, the Rays plan to regularly use relievers on short notice to combine for a turn in their starting rotation.

"I think we would all agree that it's challenging for young pitchers to come and expect the seven innings, 105, 110 pitches, out of every start for them," manager Kevin Cash said.