FORT MYERS, Fla. — Lefthander Tommy Layne appeared in 94 games for the Red Sox over the last two seasons. When put in the right situations, he was almost untouchable.

Lefthanded hitters are 20 of 132 (.152) with three extra-base hits against Layne since he joined the Sox.

For his career, Layne has faced lefties 189 times and allowed one home run. It was by Chase Utley in 2013 when Layne was with the San Diego Padres.

But righthanders have hit .306 with an .878 OPS against Layne over his career. They were 28 of 87 (.322) last season with 11 extra-base hits, three of them home runs.

What makes Layne so tough against lefthanders, his deceptive delivery and the angles he creates with his breaking pitches, makes him easier to figure out for righthanders.

“On my end, it doesn’t matter who I face,’’ Layne said Sunday. “I want to get everybody out, righty or lefty. But I’m not blind. I can tell I’m better suited to get lefthanded hitters out.’’

In the final months of last season, the Sox used Layne as a lefty specialist. He expects that will be his role this season.

“I’ll do whatever they want me to do,’’ he said. “I also know the bullpen is deeper.’’

With Craig Kimbrel, Koji Uehara, Junichi Tazawa, and Carson Smith in the bullpen, the Sox should be able to use Layne in specific spots and not worry about getting through the rest of the inning. Lefthander Robbie Ross Jr. is more equipped to get multiple batters.

“We can make it a five-inning game if we want,’’ Layne said. “We have some dang good arms in that bullpen. Every team seems to want to finish the game early. When the starter is done, there is no middle relief.

“Look at our team. We have a lot of diversity. We all have our styles and nobody is the same.’’

Layne revealed that he dealt with a pinched nerve on the left side of his neck last season and required an injection just before the All-Star break. It led to some rough outings in June.

“I did therapy all offseason and feel fine now,’’ said Layne, who admitted he probably should have gone on the disabled list. “I know when you pinch a nerve the muscles lock up around it. I had to get that freed up.’’

Manager John Farrell has said Layne is in competition for a spot in the bullpen. The Red Sox aren’t making any assumptions after finishing last two years in a row.

Layne welcomes that.

“I always feel it that way,’’ he said. “In 2008, I went to camp and assumed I had a spot and a minor-league coordinator told me to have a sense of urgency. I never forgot that.’’

Layne is out of minor league options, meaning the Red Sox can’t take him off the roster without the risk of losing him to a waiver claim.

“I don’t know if that helps me out or not,’’ he said. “It’s something I can worry about. I’ve seen it go both ways. I just know that I have to pitch well.’’

On the way

Dustin Pedroia arrived in Fort Myers and should be at Fenway South on Monday. The official report day for the position players is Tuesday and the first full-squad workout Wednesday.

Sox officials also believe David Ortiz is on his way and could be on the field Monday.

Farrell said righthander Joe Kelly would be traveling here Monday and was expected in camp Tuesday. Kelly was excused for a few days following the birth of his son last week.

Last day off

Hanley Ramirez and a few of the other position players skipped their voluntary workout. It was their last weekend off until the end of the season . . . Landon Dombrowski, the 16-year-old son of Dave Dombrowski, has been taking batting practice with the position players during their workouts. More than one fan has asked who the young prospect is.

Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.