Joyce makes opening day roster

Port Charlotte, Florida -- For Matt Joyce, Spring Training began as a struggle just to even play baseball because of leg tendinitis. But now it has ended with a spot on the team's opening day roster.

"Right now, it's definitely satisfying," said Joyce shortly after learning he had made the team. "It's a great feeling to be able to break camp with these guys and to come back from what's happened."

It will be Joyce's first Opening Day in the majors, where he is expected to start in center field.

Joyce's tenure in the Major League may be brief; starting center fielder BJ Upton is expected to return from the disabled list in time for the team's home opener on April 13 against the Yankees.

After that, Joyce expects to probably be the player sent to Triple-A Durham.

"They told me, 'It could be for a short stay, it could be for a long stay, take it for what it's worth,'" Joyce said. "And then I get to at least break camp with them. I get to play in Boston for now. [When] B.J. comes back, we'll see how it goes, see how everything works out, and then go from there."