ST. PETERSBURG -- Reid Brignac got the news on Thursday that he had been called up to the Rays from Triple-A Durham. When he arrived at Tropicana Field on Friday, the 22-year-old shortstop found out that he would be starting his first Major League game.

"I'm excited," Brignac said. "Ready to get in and play."

The Rays' everyday shortstop, Jason Bartlett, was put on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right knee on Thursday. To take Bartlett's place, the Rays recalled Brignac and Ben Zobrist while also optioning right-hander Mitch Talbot to Triple-A.

Durham manager Charlie Montoyo delivered the news to Brignac just before batting practice on Thursday.

"I was a little surprised," Brignac said. "But I'm happy with the opportunity."

The left-handed-hitting Brignac, 22, was batting .265 in 78 games for the Bulls with seven homers and 38 RBIs. Recently, he was named an International League All-Star.

"I just wanted to get him out there, get him wet," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "I'm told he's been playing really well. His defense has been really good. He's swinging the bat pretty good, too. But primarily, I'm concerned with the defense."

Zobrist, 27, will begin his third stint with the Rays this season. Most recently, he was with Tampa Bay from June 24-26, homering in consecutive games on June 25-26. Entering Friday, he has hit .292 with two home runs in nine Major League games this year. He has had a sore right shoulder, which contributed to the decision to bring up two shortstops.

Zobrist dismissed concerns about his shoulder.

"I've been playing every day since I went back down," he said. "It feels good."

As for the up-and-down year he's experienced going between Durham and St. Petersburg, Zobrist said simply, "It's part of the game."

"I just try to accept it for what it is and enjoy it while I'm here," Zobrist said. "Just kind of roll with it and try to help out the best I can."

Brignac started on Friday, but Maddon said: "They're both going to be out there."