Cesar Ramos has earned a spot in the Rays' bullpen.

Ramos, who was acquired from the Padres in the Jason Bartlett deal, gave up eight runs over 11 2/3 innings this spring while striking out five and walking five. The 26-year-old southpaw hasn't enjoyed much success in his limited opportunities in the majors, but has shown an ability to shutdown lefty batters on the minor league level.

Rays acquired LHP Cesar Ramos from the Padres.

It's still not clear what injury Ramos suffered -- if in fact he suffered one at all -- that held the Jason Bartlett deal up, but it doesn't seem to be anything major. Ramos hasn't reached expectations since being a sandwich pick back in 2005 and has a 6.26 ERA in 23 career big league innings, but he did post a 3.28 ERA over 30 games (15 starts) at Triple-A Portland. He'll likely begin 2011 in the minors but could possibly make the club as a long man.

Cesar Ramos told Dan Hayes of the North County Times that he was placed on the disabled list in the the Mexican Winter League only to open up a roster spot.

The mystery continues. Ramos and Adam Russell were set to be traded to the Rays for Jason Bartlett late last week, but the deal is still on hold. It was thought that one of the players could be injured, but that doesn't appear to the be the case. Stay tuned.

According to Jason Collette of the Dock of the Rays, Cesar Ramos is listed as being on the 7-day disabled list for Hermosillo in the Mexican Winter League.

This would explain why the trade with the Rays for Jason Bartlett is currently on hold. A source told Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune last week that the Rays wanted a second opinion of one of the pitchers -- either Ramos or Adam Russell -- involved in the trade. Apparently it's Ramos. Stay tuned.

Rays acquired LHP Carlos Ramos and RHP Adam Russell from the Padres for SS Jason Bartlett.

Ramos, 26, turned in a 3.28 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 96 innings this year at Triple-A Portland, fanning 63 batters along the way. He's been used as a starter in the past and has enjoyed success in that role, but the Rays' bullpen was decimated by free agency this winter and he's probably going to be in the running for a relief job at spring training next February.

Padres recalled LHP Cesar Ramos from Triple-A Portland.

Ramos struggled mightily in San Diego earlier this season, giving up 11 runs over 4 2/3 innings. He's pitched much better at Triple-A, though, with a 3.28 mark over 96 frames. He provides the Pads with another southpaw in the bullpen.

Padres optioned LHP Cesar Ramos to Triple-A Portland.

Ramos has already made a couple of trips from Portland to San Diego this season, but isn't likely to be called back anytime soon. He has allowed 11 earned runs and 13 hits in nine big-league relief appearances.

Padres recalled LHP Cesar Ramos from Triple-A Portland.

Ramos allowed one run over six relief appearances (3.86 ERA) with the big club last month. He was 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA over three starts with Triple-A Portland.

Padres optioned LHP Cesar Ramos to Triple-A Portland.

Ramos, who earned a spot on the Opening Day roster out of spring training, gave up one run in 2 1/3 innings over six appearances to begin the year.

Padres recalled RHP Cesar Ramos from Triple-A Portland.

The 26-year-old right-hander threw together a 4.05 ERA and 8/2 K/BB ratio in four appearances this spring to earn a middle relief job. He's a long-term candidate for the Padres' starting rotation.