Brignac Called Up

George Christian Pappas, ESPN Radio

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Reid Brignac received a welcome wake-up call at 9 this morning: He would be returning to St. Petersburg to join the Tampa Bay Rays.

He emptied his locker and was on the noon flight to Florida from Durham, N.C.

But his call-up is not a graduation to return to the big leagues as the Rays' everyday shortstop.

Justin Ruggiano landed on the 15-day disabled list with left-knee bursitis, prompting Brignac's call-up. He was not listed in the Rays' lineup Wednesday, with Maddon sticking with Sean Rodriguez at shortstop.

"Reid isn't coming up to start but he will play," manager Joe Maddon said.

Brignac improved in the minor leagues, reaping the benefit of 4-5 at-bats per game for the AAA-affiliate Bulls. He saw action from left-handed and right-handed pitchers and got back into the rhythm of playing every day. But he still isn't performing at the Rays' desired level.

Sir Charles with the slam