Cory Rasmus’ bid for Angels starting gig fizzles fast in a 5-2 loss to Rays

Cory Rasmus was the first to audition for the rotation spot vacated by injured ace Garrett Richards. He probably won’t get the part.

Rasmus, a long reliever, was roughed up for four runs and three hits in the first inning of a 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Angel Stadium on Friday night.

Logan Forsythe doubled and scored on Evan Longoria’s sacrifice fly. Steve Pearce singled, Steven Souza walked, and Corey Dickerson crushed a three-run homer to right for a 4-0 lead. Brad Miller’s solo homer off Rasmus in the third made it 5-0.

Tampa Bay ace Chris Archer allowed five hits in six shutout innings, striking out six, to earn the win.

The Angels scored in the seventh on Mike Trout’s bases-loaded walk, but Albert Pujols, representing the potential tying run, flied out to the wall in right. Kole Calhoun doubled in the eighth and scored when Andrelton Simmons ended an 0-for-21 skid with an RBI single.

Heaney outlook worsens

Andrew Heaney, originally diagnosed with a flexor muscle strain, has a slightly damaged ulnar collateral ligament but is trying to avoid surgery. The left-hander, who was moved to the 60-day disabled list Friday, had a platelet-rich plasma injection and will be out until at least July.

“We consulted with multiple doctors, and the findings ranged from normal wear and tear consistent with age and usage to some degree of tear,” General Manager Billy Eppler said. “We’re opting for conservative care like other pitchers have done.”

Short hops

Daniel Nava (left-knee tendinitis) was activated and started in left field Friday night. The Angels optioned outfielder Rafael Ortega, who hit .294 in 14 games, to triple-A Salt Lake. “He needs to play every day, and we don’t have the at-bats for him now,” Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said. . . . Javy Guerra, called up from Salt Lake on Friday, threw two scoreless innings, escaping a bases-loaded, no-outs jam in the fourth, part of a 62/3-inning scoreless effort from the Angels bullpen.

Follow Mike DiGiovanna on Twitter: @MikeDiGiovanna