Ryan Roberts went 2-for-3 with a homer and three runs scored as the Rays beat an Astros split-squad 7-2 in a rain-shortened game Tuesday.

If the Rays hadn't tendered Roberts, it's hard to imagine he would have matched his current $2.95 million salary on the open market. As is, he's set to be an unusually expensive bench player on one of the AL's lowest spending teams. Of course, he could still end up with plenty of playing time, depending on how Kelly Johnson performs and whether Evan Longoria stays healthy.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said Monday that Ryan Roberts is the current favorite to start at second base next season.

Ben Zobrist would remain at shortstop, with Sean Rodriguez "still in the mix" for playing time. Of course, the Rays appear to be in serious talks with the Marlins about Yunel Escobar, which would move Zobrist back to second base. Roberts batted just .235/.296/.360 with 12 homers and 10 steals in 2012.

Ryan Roberts (leg) is not in Friday's lineup against the Yankees.

Roberts suffered a bruised lower left leg after he fouled a ball off his ankle in Thursday's extra-inning loss to the Orioles. He should be ready to return in the next couple of days. Elliot Johnson will start in his place at second base.