Rays manager Joe Maddon's remarks about the health of Rocco Baldelli are beginning to sounds eerily similar to the ones from last spring training, when a hamstring injury kept the Rays starting centerfielder out until June.

Maddon said Baldelli, who tweaked his right hamstring Tuesday, is still day by day, but that he will take no chances in bringing Baldelli back before he's ready. Already, Maddon pushed the timetable back. He thought Baldelli might be able to return Saturday or Sunday, but told reporters before Thursday's game it will be more like Sunday or Monday.

Maddon, however, said head trainer Ron Porterfield likened the injury to one that kept Baldelli out for four games last season.

"I'd like to believe that's true," Maddon said. "We're hoping it's like it had been last year with the four-day window." 

Speaking of hammys, catcher Dioner Navarro, who has been out with the left hamstring strain, will return to the lineup and catch three innings. Maddon said he will take a day off, then extend to five innings, in hopes that he will be ready to start opening day.