Stewart exits game with groin discomfort

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Pirates catcher Chris Stewart exited Friday's 4-0 win over the Rays due to left groin discomfort. He will be re-evaluated by the medical staff, the club announced, and is considered day to day.
Stewart struck out to lead off the seventh and ran down the line before pulling up as catcher Curt Casali threw to first base for the out. He was replaced by Jackson Williams behind the plate to begin the eighth inning.
Stewart, 35, was eased into Spring Training this year following September knee surgery but reported back in good health. Various injuries limited him to 34 games last season. He is expected to fill the same role as Francisco Cervelli's backup. If he is in any way limited -- it's unclear if that will be the case -- then recently optioned catcher Elias Díaz could crack the roster.
Williams in game mode
With the competition for the final spot in the rotation nearing a conclusion, right-hander Trevor Williams made a strong argument for himself. Williams threw five scoreless innings, striking out four while allowing three hits and no walks as he faced 16 batters, one over the minimum.
Williams was at his best against the Rays at LECOM Park, filling up the strike zone and pounding the bottom of the zone with fastballs. He induced six outs on the ground, two of them to start double plays.

"It's a recipe to do some good things off the mound," manager Clint Hurdle said.
The key to his success? Treating it like a normal, competitive start instead of a chance to tinker and experiment. Nobody has jumped out in the competition between Williams, Steven Brault, Tyler Glasnow and Drew Hutchison, but only one of them will earn the final spot in the rotation.
Williams is hoping to crack the Opening Day roster, whether it's as a starter or reliever.
"There's 12 pitching spots on the team. I'd love to get one of those," Williams said. "If I'm a starter, great. If not, I'm going to help the team in any way possible."
Around the horn

• Opening Day starter Gerrit Cole threw seven innings and 98 pitches in a Minor League game at Pirate City. Hurdle said pitching coach Ray Searage was "very satisfied" with Cole's effort.
• The Pirates will send out their starting outfield against the Tigers on Saturday at LECOM Park, with Andrew McCutchen set to bat third followed by Gregory Polanco in the cleanup spot and Starling Marte hitting fifth. This will be their first game together since March 4, before all three left to play in the World Baseball Classic.

• Relievers Tony Watson, Daniel Hudson and Juan Nicasio, who pitched in Friday's game, will work on back-to-back days as they're each scheduled to throw 15 pitches in a Minor League game on Saturday.
• Shortstop Gift Ngoepe is hitting .436 (17-for-39) this spring after a 2-for-2 game on Friday. Ngoepe likely won't crack the Opening Day roster, but the defensive whiz would be called upon if Jordy Mercer were sidelined for an extended period.
"This is the most consistent he's been since he's had a Pirate uniform on," Hurdle said. "This stretch of 2 1/2 weeks, it's been as good as we've seen him."