Longoria returns to camp a proud papa

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Evan Longoria returned to camp Saturday after the birth of his daughter Wednesday night in Boca Raton, Fla.

Longoria and his girlfriend, Jaime Edmondson, named their baby Elle Leona. Longoria noted that Edmondson requested that he name their daughter. He noted that he has rarely felt such pressure.

The due date had been April 2, but labor was induced due to health concerns about Edmondson's chronic high blood pressure. Elle Leona arrived to the world weighing 4.1 pounds and 18 inches long. Mother and baby are both doing well.

"She's beautiful, she's beautiful," Longoria said. "It was pretty miraculous. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced."

Listening to Longoria discuss the birth, he had a clear understanding of the process, which he gained from attending childbirth classes and reading.

"I probably read more about childbirth and having a baby than I have most things in life," Longoria said. "I wanted to be as prepared as I can. You guys know me, preparation has always been something in this game that I have been good at. I didn't want it to kind of come as a surprise."

Having gone through all the necessary preparation for the big event, Longoria allowed that "you never can be fully prepared."

When asked if Elle Leona looked like her mother, Longoria smiled: "I hope so."

As for baseball, Longoria said he will likely play in his first Spring Training game on Monday against the Red Sox at Charlotte Sports Park. Rays manager Joe Maddon amended that by saying Longoria would play on Tuesday.