Warren taking the 5th

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Joe Girardi still hasn’t named Adam Warren the No. 5 starter, but that appears to be a formality. Warren allowed one run on four hits and one walk, striking out five over 3.2 innings in the Yankees’ 6-5 loss to the Rays on Thursday at Charlotte Sports Park. Warren has a 2.70 ERA in five starts, allowing 17 hits and one walk in 16.2 innings, fanning 11. “He threw well again,” Girardi said. “That’s what he’s done all spring.”

Warren has outpitched Esmil Rogers, putting himself in position to win the job, one that opened two weeks ago when Chris Capuano suffered a strained quad.

“I feel like I’ve pitched well and I’m happy about that,” Warren said. “I feel like I’m getting ready to go into the season. I’m right where I want to be.”

GM Brian Cashman said Wednesday that Warren was the frontrunner for the job.

The Yankees expected Warren to be a valuable piece in the bullpen this season, but after spending his entire minor-league career as a starter, the 27-year-old will finally get his first crack at that role in the majors.

COMING ON STRONG

After a slow start, Didi Gregorius is quietly putting together a nice spring. His defensive skills have been apparent all month, but after a 3-for-19 (.158) start at the plate, he’s 9-for-20 (.450) during his past seven games following a 2-for4 against the Rays on Thursday.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Girardi plans to use Alex Rodriguez at first in a game during the next week, although the manager wasn’t ready to announce when since he had not yet spoken with A-Rod about it. A-Rod is hitting .290 (9-for-31) with two home runs and three RBI in 13 games this spring, doing his part to earn at-bats as the Yankees’ designated hitter.

ELL OF A WORKOUT

Jacoby Ellsbury (oblique) did tee and soft-toss drills on Thursday. If he reports no problems Friday, he’ll repeat the drills and take some batting practice in the indoor cage. . . . Austin Romine, competing for the backup catching job, was scratched from Thursday’s trip due to a stomach virus. . . . RHP Jared Burton was unconditionally released from his minor-league contract.