SARASOTA, Fla. — Maybe that Pittsburgh Pirates' starting rotation isn't nearly as settled as it appeared to be when spring training opened last month.

This wasn't expected then, either: first baseman Brad Eldred competing for an opening day roster spot, and as an outfielder. Don Kelly pressing for a utility infielder's job. Michael Ryan making a push to be a spare outfielder.

Manager Jim Tracy's explanation for these unforeseen developments, which include Marty McLeary greatly improving his chances for a spot in the starting rotation, is simple.

"It's why we stay here until the end of March," he said Sunday.

When camp opened, the top four starters appeared set with right-hander Ian Snell and left-handers Zach Duke, Paul Maholm and Tom Gorzelanny. Right-handers Tony Armas, who signed a $3.5 million contract for this season, and Shawn Chacon were expected to compete for the other job.

One-third of the way through exhibition play, there are as many questions as answers about the rotation. Currently, only Duke and Snell look to be locked in, though it would be a surprise if Gorzelanny and Maholm aren't in the rotation when the season starts April 2.

Gorzelanny, out for a month late last season because of a sore elbow, has been ineffective so far with a 14.21 ERA in three appearances. He made his first start of the spring Sunday, allowing four runs in the first inning of a 9-8 loss to the Cincinnati Reds before settling down to pitch two scoreless innings.

While it's only spring training, getting down by a big margin early in the game before trying to come back was a common occurrence last season for a team that lost 95 games.

"As we go along here, it's something we've got to be mindful of — you don't want to dig that type of hole for yourself," Tracy said.

Gorzelanny didn't think he pitched badly in the first, and isn't concerned yet about his high ERA. After walking five and giving up six runs in 1 1-3 innings against the Phillies on Tuesday, he didn't walk any Sunday.