ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) _ Jim Morris already has accomplished more than he imagined possible by becoming the oldest rookie in almost 40 years to pitch in the major leagues.

But at 36, the former Texas high school teacher and coach has no illusions about what it will take to remain on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays roster beyond spring training. He pitched one perfect inning in Wednesday's 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, however it's difficult to tell how much the outing helped his chances of making the team.

``Realistically, as long as I was away, I probably shouldn't be here,'' said Morris, who was out of professional baseball for 10 years before he was persuaded him to pursue a comeback that began after a tryout camp in Brownwood, Texas, last summer.

``My wife and I talked about this a lot ... I'm just going to go out and throw the best I can. Some days are going to be good, and some days are going to be bad. If it works out fantastic. If it doesn't, I'll find something else to do. It's just been a great situation to be in.''

Norm Charlton, Mike Duvall and Morris are the main contenders for what may be the lone spot for a left-hander in the Devil Rays bullpen. If he doesn't win the job, he'll likely begin the season at Triple-A Durham, where he was 3-1 with a 5.48 ERA in 18 games before being promoted to the majors in September.

Morris became the oldest rookie in the majors since outfielder Minnie Mendoza made his debut for the Minnesota Twins at 36 in 1970. He is the oldest rookie pitcher since 41-year-old Diomedes Olivo played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960.

``If I get sent down, that's fine. Whatever's in the best interest of the team,'' said Morris, 0-0 with a 5.79 ERA in five appearances for the Devil Rays. ``It's just fun being around all these guys right now ... It's totally unbelievable that I'm allowed to be here, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.''

Morris retired the only three batters he faced _ Chris Pritchitt, Kevin Sefcik and Johnny Estrada _ in the seventh inning to combine with winner Juan Guzman, Ryan Rupe and Roberto Hernandez on a four-hit shutout.

Quinton McCracken went 2-for-4 and drove in the game's only run with a third-inning single off loser Paul Byrd, who allowed four hits in three innings. Bryan Ward, Scott Aldred and Kirk Bullinger limited Tampa Bay to no runs and two hits after the third.

Devil Rays manager Larry Rothschild said Morris appeared relaxed and is progressing well this spring. In three one-ininng appearances, the left-hander has allowed one run, three hits and walked one.

One of the toughest parts of camp has been getting into playing shape. Morris joked that he's run more this spring than he has in 15 years.

``I have concrete legs, but it's getting easier. I'm probably in better shape now than I was even when I played college football,'' he said. ``I don't feel as old right now as I did the first couple of weeks.''