Donnelly overtaking Pineiro?

Joel Pineiro was charged with four runs in 1 innings yesterday, giving him a 15.43 ERA through two spring appearances. The struggles might leave him with an uphill climb to overtake Brendan Donnelly in the closer’s race. The other top candidate, Julian Tavarez, pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning, but has a 13.50 ERA so far, while Mike Timlin has been held out of action due to a sore left oblique muscle.

Donnelly has tossed two scoreless innings this spring.

“He’s not scared,” manager Terry Francona said. “He’s the kind of guy who wants the ball when the game’s still in doubt. We have room for guys like that.”

Manny Delcarmen had a rough day, giving up three runs in the top of the ninth inning that allowed the Phillies to break a 6-6 tie.