SARASOTA, Fla. -- Spring training's almost over, but competition for jobs in the Minnesota Twins' camp continues to intensify.

Michael Cuddyer, Bobby Kielty and Dustan Mohr did nothing to disqualify themselves in the battle for the right-field opening during Tuesday's 12-9 exhibition victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Cuddyer distinguished himself the most, belting two home runs and driving in four runs. But Mohr bashed a first-inning grand slam and Kielty doubled in four at-bats.

Last week, manager Ron Gardenhire said, "It would be easier if someone falls on his face." Now, it's obvious that's not going to happen. Cuddyer (.317), Kielty (.351) and Mohr (.396) all have excelled. They even rank 1-2-3 on the club in RBIs -- Mohr has 13, Kielty 12 and Cuddyer 11.

"There is an argument for everybody here," Gardenhire said. "We have depth and that's a good thing. All three outfielders busted their (butts). All played great. What am I going to do? I have to leave someone out. That's part of the game. These guys understand that."

Since Cuddyer has a minor-league option remaining, sending him to Triple-A would be a simple solution. Gardenhire sounded as if he had at least contemplated this.

"My opinion with Michael is, I don't want to start him (in the Majors) and see him struggle," Gardenhire said. "If he goes to Triple-A and starts off well, then its easier to (promote him). What if he comes up here and struggles? Then you have to sit him, which you don't want to do, or send him down."

Then there was Kyle Lohse, who earned the decision against the Reds by allowing three hits and three unearned runs in five innings. Lohse is vying for the No. 5 spot in Minnesota's starting rotation with Matt Kinney, who's out of options.

"Lohse looked great," Gardenhire said. "There were mistakes but he threw well."

Lohse might have blanked the Reds if it weren't for Cristian Guzman's third-inning gaffe. The shortstop allowed Barry Larkin's two-out grounder toward the hole to scoot under his glove, enabling Jason LaRue to score from second base. Ken Griffey Jr., the next batter, homered.

"I just went out and did what I wanted to do, throw the ball over the plate," said Lohse, who walked one and struck out three.

Lohse said he's trying not to be distracted by the chase for the fifth starter's spot.

"You don't want things like that creeping into your thoughts on the mound," he said. Asked what he'll do if he doesn't win the job, he replied, "I'll go to Triple-A and pitch my butt off there."