"Evan Longoria's role as the Rays leadoff man may be short-lived, but he is hoping the lessons learned in the past two games will be lasting.

Longoria, who was stuck in a 6-for-45 slump with one RBI in 12 games before moving to the top of the order, has since gone 4-for-7 (.571) with a home run, double, three runs and three walks.

After reaching base seven times in the past two games against the Indians, Longoria told manager Joe Maddon it was exhausting being the catalyst.

"I told him, you've got to be in shape to lead off," Longoria said. "It's definitely a different role, something I've never experienced.

"I feel like I'm doing a good job of just seeing more pitches and getting into spots where I can actually swing the bat at a pitch I can handle. I felt like when I was in the third and fourth spot I was kind of pressing and swinging at pitches that I really can't do anything with, and now I'm getting a little deeper in counts and giving myself an opportunity to have success."

With the Rays facing Rangers LHP Derek Holland tonight, Longoria could be moved back to a more familiar spot in the middle of the order. Maddon was noncommittal after Sunday's 7-0 win over the Indians.

"I'm going to sleep on it," Maddon said.

Meanwhile, Longoria believes the experience will help him become a more patient hitter wherever he is in the lineup.

"That's really the biggest thing, that if and when I do go back to the third or fourth slot, I need to realize I'm going to get maybe one or two pitches an at-bat and other than that, guys are going to try and make pitches and get you out … understanding I can't hit every pitch and taking that mind-set back there," he said."