Bartlett optimistic

Posted Jun 9, 2009 by Tribune Sports

Updated Jun 9, 2009 at 04:55 PM

ST. PETERSBURG—There’s a little bit of pre-game news. Shortstop Jason Bartlett took ground balls and some batting practice and said his sprained left ankle felt better than he expected. He’s eligible to come off the disaabled list tomorrow, and while it’s pretty certain he won’t, it sounds like his return isn’t far off.

Bartlett said he is aiming for Friday’s start of a three-game series at home with the Nationals but thinks conceded that next Tuesday at Colorado is more realistic.

Also, the Rays agreed to terms on a minor league contract with rigth-handed relief pitcher Jorge Julio and assigned him to Triple-A Durham. Julio, 30, began the season with Milwaukee (1-1, 7.79 ERA in 15 relief appearances) and has 99 saves and a 4.43 ERA over nine seasons in the majors.

To make room for Julio, the Rays released right-handerr Chad Orvella.