It's been a whirlwind 24 hours for rookie SS Reid Brignac.

The 22-year-old walked into the clubhouse this afternoon after a 7 am flight from Durham, having been called up to the big leagues with Ben Zobrist when SS Jason Bartlett went on the DL Thursday.

Brignac looked at the lineup card and saw his name in the starting lineup at shortstop. "It was exciting," he said with a grin. "First time to see that."

Brignac said his family flew in this morning from Louisiana, gladly skipping their Cajun-style barbeque for Fourth of July in favor of ballpark hot dogs.

"I think they'll enjoy these hot dogs here a little better than the barbeque," Brignac said.

Brignac said he hadn't met with Rays officials to talk about his role, whether he'll split starts with Zobrist until Bartlett returns after the All-Star break. He said he's been more consistent - both at the plate and defensively - which is why he thinks he was given a shot.

Zobrist was equally happy to be back, saying his shoulder is fine and ready to go.

RAYS
Iwamura, 2b

Crawford, lf

Upton, cf

Pena, 1b

Longoria, 3b

Floyd, dh

Navarro, c

Hinske, Rf

Brignac, ss

Jackson, P

ROYALS

DeJesus, cf

Grudzielanek, 2b

Gordon, 3b

Guillen, lf

Butler, dh

Teahen, rf

Gload, 1b

BUck, c

Aviles, ss

Bannister, p

- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com