Reid

Brignac

The Rays have been conservative with Brignac despite all of his success, leaving him in the California League all season long. He’s batting .322/.378/.547 in 404 at-bats.

Since moving up from Single-A Visalia earlier this month, Brignac is hitting .315/.359/.466 in 73 at-bats. The plan is now for the 20-year-old to stay at shortstop, and if he keeps improving defensively, he could be ready to help the Rays as soon as the second half of 2007.

Zobrist was hit by a pitch there in the second inning but remained in the game and contributed a bunt single in his next at-bat. The move looks to be precautionary, as Zobrist said he’ll be fine to start Game 2. If he should have a setback, the Rays would likely use Reid Brignac at shortstop and Sean Rodriguez at second base.

Brignac hit just .193/.227/.221 and spent some time in the minor leagues, but the Rays love his defense and think he can improve at the plate. “He’ll battle for the spot, absolutely,” manager Joe Maddon said. “I thought he made some really good adjustments when he came back up. Defense has never been an issue. I love his defense. It’s about making him more of a complete player offensively. I’m not just talking about getting hits, playing the situational game. Base running needs to be worked on a bit, too.” Brignac’s chief competition for the job will be Sean Rodriguez, who also suffered through a disappointing year.

Brignac should be ready for action later this week, after giving the cortisone a few days to kick in. He is battling Sean Rodriguez for starting shortstop duties.

Brignac was given a cortisone injection on Monday to help the pain and discomfort in his right foot and won’t be allowed to participate in drills or Grapefruit League games for the next several days. Sean Rodriguez appears likely to grab starting shortstop duties in Tampa Bay.

Brandon Allen was claimed off waivers from the A’s on Thursday and B.J. Upton (back) is expected to return from the disabled list Friday, so the Rays need to make a pair of moves. Brignac is just 2-for-17 (.118) so far this season while Vogt is hitless in 13 at-bats.

Reid Brignac and Elliot Johnson will also get playing time, likely against right-handers, but Maddon said it will not be a strict platoon. Rodriguez, who turns 27 in April, batted .223/.323/.357 with eight homers, 36 RBI, 11 stolen bases and a .679 OPS last season. He’s a bit of a batting average risk, but should be useful in AL-only and even some deeper mixed leagues.

Brignac is currently dealing with a plantar fascia condition in his right foot and Rays manager Joe Maddon confirmed Thursday that the injury “has a chance” to impact his availability for Opening Day. Johnson, who is out of options, would likely function as a backup for Sean Rodriguez if Johnson misses the start of the season.

Brignac, who missed time with a foot injury last month, is hitting .333 with 30 at-bats for the spring. He figures to be the Rays’ primary shortstop until B.J. Upton returns, at which point Ben Zobrist will move back to second base. The Rays will then have to decide whether they prefer Brignac or Sean Rodriguez at shortstop going forward.