Reid Brignac (foot) went 1-for-4 with a homer in a minor league exhibition game Wednesday. He also played seven innings in the field, including five at shortstop and two at second base. There was some thought that Brignac would return to Grapefruit League action on Wednesday, but the Rays decided to keep him on the minor league side, likely so they could backdate a potential DL stint. The 26-year-old is currently working his way back from plantar fasciitis in his right foot, but there's still a chance he'll be ready for Opening Day.

Reid Brignac (foot) is aiming to return to the Rays' Grapefruit League lineup on Wednesday. Brignac played in a minor league game Monday and will do so again on Tuesday. If he continues to feel like he's making progress in his battle with plantar fasciitis, the 26-year-old should be clear for Opening Day.

Reid Brignac (foot) is scheduled to play in a minor league game Monday in Rays camp. Brignac told reporters that his plantar fasciitis is "uncomfortable but tolerable." He's not likely to be fully healthy on Opening day, but he could be active anyway. Look for Sean Rodriguez to start at shortstop.

Reid Brignac (foot) has resumed baseball activities and expects to be ready for Opening Day. Brignac has been sidelined with plantar fasciitis, but was able to get through pre-game defensive work on Friday. The Rays' training staff could clear him for a full return as soon as next week.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday that Reid Brignac (foot) might not be ready for Opening Day. 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.

Reid Brignac was given a cortisone injection Monday in his ailing right foot. 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.

Reid Brignac went 2-for-3 with an RBI against the Pirates on Sunday. Brignac is trying to show that his 2011 was a fluke and reclaim the starting job at shortstop for the Rays. He's behind Sean Rodriguez on the depth chart, but there's a slim chance he could overtake him prior to Opening Day. He's 5-for-12 with a couple of walks so far. He doesn't have an extra-base hit yet.

The Rays will give Reid Brignac a chance to compete for the starting shortstop job in 2012 despite his struggles at the plate this season. 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.

Reid Brignac went 0-for-4 in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader and is in an 0-for-15 slump since Sept. 15. Brignac's average is back down to .187 now, as he's just 4-for-29 in September. Barring a strong last week, his highest OPS in a month this season will be his .530 mark in June. Even Adam Dunn, who is currently sporting a .587 OPS for the year, probably sympathizes with Brignac's plight.

Reid Brignac cleared the bases with a third-inning double on Sunday, pacing the Rays to an 8-1 win over the Orioles. Brignac had just 10 RBI in 79 games coming into this afternoon. Now batting .197/.233/.225, he's arguably been the worst offensive player in the big leagues this season.