Rasner helps his cause

Darrell Rasner made a huge statement on Friday in his bid to make the New York Yankees opening day roster.

Rasner, a 1999 Carson High graduate, was the starting pitcher for the Yankees in their spring training contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates won 3-2, but Rasner allowed just one unearned run in 4.2 innings. Rasner was able to scatter seven hits, struck out five and walked none.

In four appearances, Rasner has a 1.50 earned run average as he's allowed just two earned runs in 12 innings.

It appears that Rasner is battling Jeff Karstens for the 12th and final spot in the Yankees bullpen as a long reliever and spot starter. Karstens was considered the leading candidate for the role after pitching nine scoreless innings.

But in his last start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, Karstens allowed four earned runs.