Kolarek (1-0) fired a scoreless inning in which he allowed no hits or walks while recording a strikeout in a win over the Blue Jays on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Kolarek kept his ERA unblemished during his ninth appearance of the campaign. The 30-year-old southpaw has already racked up five holds, and Sunday brought his first win of the season. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports that Kolarek has stranded seven inherited runners to open the campaign after striking out pinch-hitter Teoscar Hernandez with the bases loaded upon entering the game in the fifth inning.

The Rays informed Kolarek on Tuesday that he made the Opening Day roster, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tampa Bay chose to keep Kolarek over Emilio Pagan as their last reliever, with manager Kevin Cash citing Kolarek's status a southpaw as the main factor in the decision. Kolarek, who made 31 appearances for the big club a season ago, will likely see the overwhelming share of his opportunities versus lefty-heavy lineups. He has held opposing lefties to a .234/.279/.313 slash line over parts of two seasons in the big leagues.

Kolarek remains in contention for the final bullpen spot despite allowing nine earned runs over seven innings in Grapefruit League play, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite the ragged spring, Kolarek remains in contention for a bullpen spot also being chased by Emilio Pagan, Hunter Wood and Hoby Milner. Kolarek does have the distinction of being a southpaw, which could play into manager Kevin Cash's final decision from an overall matchup perspective. Kolarek does have a respectable track record with Cash after having posted a serviceable 3.93 ERA over 31 appearances last season, but it remains to be seen if that will be enough to override his struggles thus far this year. Cash is on record as stating that he expects that while most of his roster decisions will be made after Friday's exhibition versus the Pirates, the winner of the bullpen race may not be announced until the last couple of Grapefruit League games.

Kolarek allowed six runs (four earned) on two hits and two walks while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning during Tuesday's loss to the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Kolarek served as the opener for the Rays and allowed the first three batters to reach base -- though one reached via error -- before giving up a grand slam to Eddie Rosario. The 30-year-old has thrown two innings over four spring appearances, and has given up nine runs (seven earned) on seven hits and four walks.

Kolarek struck out two batters in a perfect ninth inning to earn his first career save in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Kolarek was called on to hold a 3-1 lead in the ninth after Sergio Romo loaded the bases with no outs. The lefty reliever was up to the task, needing just nine pitches to close things out. Moving forward, Romo should still see most save opportunities with Kolarek and his 5.63 ERA pretty far down the list.

Kolarek was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Friday, Steve Carney of 620 WDAE reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kolarek has appeared in seven games for the Rays this season, logging a 9.35 ERA and 1.85 WHIP with just two strikeouts in 8.2 innings of relief. Look for him to be utilized in low-leverage spots during his time with the team.

Kolarek was optioned to Triple-A Durham following Monday's tilt against the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Kolarek will head to the minor leagues to make room for Yonny Chirinos on the 25-man roster. Kolarek has made six appearances out of the bullpen for the Rays in 2018, posting a disastrous 9.72 ERA and 1.92 WHIP with two strikeouts over 8.1 innings.

Kolarek had his contract selected from Triple-A Durham on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kolarek has been quite good for the Bulls this season with a 1.70 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with a 50:10 K:BB over 42.1 innings. The 29-year-old lefty's only big-league experience came in a 12-appearance stint with the Rays last season in which he allowed six runs across 8.1 innings, as he hopes for a better result in 2018.

The Rays reassigned Kolarek to their minor-league camp Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Kolarek reached the big leagues in 2017 and appeared in 12 games for the Rays, logging a 6.48 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 8.1 innings. Things went better this spring for the lefty, who tossed four scoreless frames, but Tampa Bay didn't have a need for an extra southpaw in the bullpen with Jose Alvarado and Dan Jennings in the fold.

Kolarek agreed to a minor-league deal with Tampa Bay on Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kolarek appeared in 12 big-league games for the Rays this past season, allowing six earned runs off nine hits and four walks while striking out four in 8.1 innings of relief work. The 28-year-old spent most of the season in Triple-A Durham, where he posted a 1.65 ERA and 46:16 K:BB in 41 games, and will likely begin the 2018 season back with the Bulls.