Roster Spot Now Reyes’ Goal

Rookie left-hander Dennis Reyes realizes the fifth spot in the Dodger pitching rotation belongs to right-hander Darren Dreifort.

The anticipated competition between them didn’t materialize, but Reyes isn’t discouraged. He still believes he can make the 25-man roster, and he’s determined to prove he can contribute.

Reyes pitched well at times Tuesday in the Dodgers’ 11-7 exhibition victory over the Kansas City Royals at Holman Stadium in Vero Beach, Fla. He gave up five runs and seven hits in four innings, and struck out two, walking none.

He was hit hard in the fourth inning, giving up three runs, but he didn’t pitch as poorly as the numbers indicate.

“That’s going to happen, and you just have to forget about it,” he said. “But I know I can pitch better. I just have to keep working. It’s my dream to start the season in the big leagues.”

Reyes (1-0) has a 7.31 earned-run average in two starts and three relief appearances.

Right-hander Frank Lankford is expected to earn one of the two open spots in the bullpen, leaving Reyes, 20, to battle right-handers Jim Bruske and Tim Scott for the final job.

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Reyes started in place of right-hander Ismael Valdes, who had stiffness in his pitching elbow.

“It’s not bad, but you don’t want to take a chance in spring training,” Valdes said. “I’d rather miss a day now than during the season.”

Valdes underwent therapy and is expected to start Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles.

Lankford (1-1) earned the victory, pitching two scoreless innings in relief. . . . Mike Piazza hit a two-run homer in the first inning, his third home run this spring.