Kansas City, MO -- (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Rays activated shortstop Jason Bartlett from the 15-day disabled list Thursday.

Bartlett has been sidelined with a right knee sprain since July 3. He came into Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Royals hitting .256 with 20 RBI in 77 games with Tampa this year.

Bartlett went 3-for-3 and scored a run in Thursday's setback.

The Rays made room for the starting shortstop on Wednesday when they optioned shortstop Ben Zobrist to Triple-A Durham. Zobrist hit .230 with five home runs and eight RBI in 23 games with the big club before being sent down to the minors.