Bombers bits

• Girardi told reporters that the contingent that visited Panama over the weekend didn't arrive back in Tampa until 12:30 a.m. ET on Monday. Eduardo Nunez, Brian Roberts, Mark Teixeira and Brian McCann -- all of whom stayed in Florida -- were the only regulars slated to be in the lineup behind right-hander Hiroki Kuroda in Monday's game against the Pirates, which was rained out.

• Shortstop Brendan Ryan, who's been sidelined by soreness in his lower back, took batting practice on the field on Monday and hopes to play later this week.

• Girardi is impressed by how well Kelly Johnson has handled the transition to playing third base on a regular basis. The former second baseman and left fielder, and Minor League shortstop, is expected to play third every day this season.

"I've been pleased. I've liked what he's done. As we enter the season, I think he's going to do a good job," Girardi said. "I don't really have a lot of concerns about it."