Joyce On Opening Day Roster

The Rays' first comeback of the year is in the books after Tampa native Matt Joyce made the team's Opening Day roster Wednesday.

As recently as a couple of weeks ago, it looked like the 24-year-old Armwood High graduate would have no chance to seriously compete for a roster spot, as tendinitis in his lower right leg kept him off the field through the early weeks of spring training. But Joyce finished strong and beat out Justin Ruggiano to win a job.

"Good for him," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "Really, good for him, because the way spring training started out it did not look like this, but he worked his way back into the picture."

The picture for the last two openings on the Rays' pitching staff didn't get much clearer Wednesday.

As trade rumors continued to swirl around fifth starter candidates Jason Hammel and Jeff Niemann, both were told they will not accompany the team to Philadelphia this weekend. Instead, both will pitch multiple innings in minor-league camp Sunday. That will buy the Rays some more time while keeping those two and long relief candidate Lance Cormier (who will go to Philadelphia) in limbo.

Joyce, at least, could exhale Wednesday afternoon when he was called into Maddon's office following the Rays' Grapefruit League finale and told he made the cut.

"This is special, this is cool," Joyce said. "I can't explain it to you, man - it's awesome. I walked out of the office and I'm just smiling, I'm trying to hold it in. But it was a great feeling."

Acquired from the Tigers in December for Edwin Jackson, Joyce has never made an Opening Day roster before. Now there's a good chance he'll start in center field Monday at Fenway Park.

He probably won't hold the job for long, as B.J. Upton is slated to reclaim his position and probably Joyce's roster spot when he makes his expected return April 13, but Joyce is here now.

"They told me it could be for a short stay, it could be for a long stay - take it for what it's worth, and at least I get to break camp with them," Joyce said. "I get to play in Boston for now, and when B.J. comes back we'll see how it goes."