Worth noting

• Matt Joyce was back in the Rays' lineup Friday, batting leadoff for just the sixth time in his Major League career.

"It was more of a precautionary thing," said Joyce, who left Tuesday's game because of tightness in his left hamstring before sitting out Wednesday's game. "You don't want to do something and be out a long time."

• By reaching base in 45 of the Rays' first 46 games, Evan Longoria became the first player in the Major Leagues since 1999 -- and just 12th American Leaguer since 1916 -- to do so.

The others were Hall of Famers Ted Williams (twice), Luke Appling, Hank Greenberg, Lou Gehrig (three times), and Jimmie Foxx, as well as Derek Jeter, Frank Thomas, Edgar Martinez, Toby Harrah, Lou Blue and Harry Hooper.

• Although David Price hasn't suffered any setbacks in his recovery from a left triceps strain, it appears unlikely he will be ready to return as soon as he is is eligible to come off the disabled list on May 31. Maddon has said Price will probably make at least one minor league rehab start before he returns to the Rays' rotation.

"I have nothing new to report," Maddon said Friday. "I don't have any idea of a finish line there yet."

• Durham pitchers continue to lead all Triple-A teams with 439 strikeouts this season entering Friday.