Joyce still building strength in elbow

When RF Matt Joyce will return to the outfield is still a mystery after he decided his strained right elbow didn't feel quite ready after he threw from 90 feet Monday morning. Rays manager Joe Maddon still thinks the former Armwood High standout can be ready for the April 6 opener.

All Joyce has to prove is that he can hit the cutoff man from right field to be deemed healthy enough to return to the outfield.

"We can control that once the season begins," Maddon said. "As a right fielder, how many throws does he have to make? Hard to third, hard to home, maybe one a night, maybe two sometimes. That can be controlled. The biggest thing is that he can't throw it hard right now, so we'll just have to wait and see."

Joyce was the DH Tuesday during the Rays' 4-3 loss to the Phillies because Maddon wants Joyce to get as many at-bats against major-league pitchers as he can so his hitting doesn't backslide while he works on his arm.

Aside from not being able to put any zip on his throws, Joyce said he is ready to start the season.

"As far as hitting-wise, I feel comfortable," he said. "In the outfield I've taken plenty of fly balls off the bat in BP, and that's the biggest thing, seeing balls off the bat and running them down."

Taking the fifth

Maddon said he will announce his fifth starter this morning. Look for the job to go to RHP Wade Davis with RHP Andy Sonnanstine headed to the bullpen to help fill the void created by LHP J.P. Howell's injury.

Game notes

3B Evan Longoria doubled home two runs in the sixth inning to give him nine RBIs this spring, six in his past four games. OF Justin Ruggiano had two hits to raise his average to .447. INF/OF Elliot Johnson singled home a run in the top of the ninth to tie it at 3. RHP Grant Balfour allowed the winning run in the bottom of the ninth on a walk, a single and a sacrifice fly. RHP Joaquin Benoit was perfect in 11/3 innings. He has not allowed a hit in his past two outings or a run in his past three.

Maddon wasn't pleased in the ninth inning when several batters missed the bunt sign with a runner on third.

"That's the one thing that gets me upset," Maddon said.

Garza sharp

RHP Matt Garza allowed seven hits and three runs on three home runs during 52/3 innings Tuesday. He struck out four and did not walk a batter. In 212/3 innings this spring, including six in a Triple-A game, Garza has walked three batters.

"I see this guy as being a strike thrower whenever he wants to be," Maddon said.

Garza used the outing against the National League club to work on his breaking and off-speed pitches.

Odds and ends

INF/OF Sean Rodriguez was scratched Tuesday because of a sinus headache. ... His replacement, J.J. Furmaniak, injured his left heel while stepping on first base after grounding out to shortstop to start the game.... OF Gabe Kapler (thigh strain) is expected to play today against the Blue Jays. ... C Dioner Navarro (bruised nerve in his left shin) has progressed to using one crutch. ... Tickets still remain for the April 6 season opener against the Orioles at Tropicana Field.