Matt Diaz showed signs of breaking out of his slow start to spring (two hits in his first 16 at-bats) by hitting a two run home run in the fourth inning off of lefty David Price, but the lead was not enough as the Pirates lost 4-2 to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Price allowed just two runs on four hits, striking out two through four innings of work.

“I thought I threw some good off-speed stuff and that’s what I wanted to work on,” Price said. “Threw a lot of two-seams, I was down in the zone. Thought I was pretty good.”

Ross Ohlendorf started for the Bucs. Ohlendorf retired the first three batters in the first inning, but gave up three hits and walked one in the second.

“I probably felt a little stronger in the first one just because I had a little more adrenaline,” said Ohlendorf, who had lasted 1 2/3 innings in his first start. “But I still felt good about today.”

Tyler Yates allowed two runs on one hit with two walks through .2 innings and picked up the loss.

Notes:

• Evan Meek made his spring training debut in the fourth inning of Monday’s ball game, pitching a scoreless inning.

After Ronny Cedeno made an error, allowing Evan Longoria to reach base, Meek got Manny Ramirez to hit into a double play. He then walked Joyce but the inning ended when he got caught trying to steal second base.

“Things were a little quick today,” Meek said afterward. “I found myself trying to relax and go out and throw strikes. That was my main focus — not really focus too much on velocity or anything. I really wanted to go in and get my work in and get back in the groove of things. It’s a good step forward.”

Meek threw just one breaking ball during his inning of work, relying on his fastball for strikes. He is scheduled to pitch an inning on Thursday, and should have no set backs for opening day.

• John Bowker and Josh Rodriguez were both sidelined on Monday due to minor injuries.

Bowker (soreness in his left wrist), Rodriguez (tightness in right quad) should not miss more than a few days.

• Scott Olsen will throw a live session of batting practice on Tuesday.
• Chris Snyder threw out two-of-three base stealers today.
• The Pirates will have two games on Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers.

Brian Burres will start the regular squad game against Carl Pavano, Brad Lincoln will start for the “B” squad. Steve Pearce will also make his debut at third base.