Maddon praises Johnson's defense at third

HOUSTON -- Though he was hitting just .105 over his last 23 games entering Tuesday, Rays third baseman Kelly Johnson had exceeded expectations at third base, manager Joe Maddon said.

"He's played it really well, not just OK," Maddon said. "It seems like he's comfortable with the left side of the field because he's played left field really well, too."

Handling the defensive side of his game, Johnson looks to beef up his stats on offense. He was in Tuesday's lineup, hitting in the No. 9 spot.

"He's reacted to the ball well in left field, and he's reacted well to the ball at third base," Maddon said.