SS Jason Bartlett appeared to pass one of the final tests of his rehab of a right knee sprain -- running the bases and sliding -- with manager Joe Maddon saying he expects Bartlett to be activated at some point during the team's upcoming road trip.

Bartlett, who said running the bases "was a lot better than I expected," said he's at around 80-percent, but feels he'll be ready to be back in the lineup on Thursday, when the Rays begin a series in Kansas City.

Bartlett has been a cornerstone of the Rays' much-improved defense but has been on the DL since July 3. Maddon said Bartlett will get re-evaluated tommorrow and then accompany the team on its road trip.

The other biggest buzz in pre-game was the fact that nearly the entire Rays team chose to participate in the optional hitting session. Maddon said he was pleased with the turnout, and it shows that the players are trying to get their bats in gear.

RAYS

Iwamura, 2b

Upton, cf

Crawford, lf

Longoria, 3b

Pena, 1b

Navarro, c

Aybar, dh

Gomes, rf

Zobrist, ss