updated 10:29 p.m. ET Aug. 6, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Tampa Bay center fielder B.J. Upton was benched Wednesday against Cleveland for failing to run out a grounder the previous night.

Rays manager Joe Maddon took the one-game action, saying the topic of running hard on grounders was discussed at a team meeting in Kansas City two weeks ago.

Asked about the benching, Upton said: "I just work here.''

In the eighth inning of Tuesday's 8-4 win over the Indians, Upton hit a comebacker to Edward Mujica. The pitcher bobbled the ball and went down to his knees before easily throwing out Upton at first base.

"I'm not happy with him not running out the last ground ball last night,'' Maddon said before Wednesday's game. "I didn't take him out of the game ... everybody was hurt last night. So, I had to wait until today to do it.''

The AL East-leading Rays were without left fielder Carl Crawford (sore left hamstring) and shortstop Jason Bartlett (right index finger) Tuesday. Also, utilityman Willy Aybar experienced hamstring cramping in Monday's game, and catcher Shawn Riggans had soreness in his chest, the result of being hit by a pitch on Sunday.

"I really don't believe in a whole lot of rules and regulations,'' Maddon said. "Personally I don't believe in it. I like to believe that you are a man and can pretty much police yourself.''

Ben Zobrist replaced Upton in center field, while Aybar started at short.

Bartlett, who missed the previous two games, was the designated hitter. It has not been determined if Bartlett, who threw before the game, will play in the field Thursday.

Crawford was out of the lineup for third straight day. He might return Thursday.

"I hope so. I'm definitely ready to get going,'' Crawford said. "It's better. Still like a little strain in there. Still tugs when I raise my leg. I'll have to be careful with that. I think I know how to manage it the way I want.''

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Don't count out the Rockies in NL West   Phillies-Mets postponed to Sunday by rain At Bat: Cubs cringe as key arms become concerns Opinion: Why limit replays to home run calls? Vote: Should MLB use instant replay? The Final Stretch: Race to baseball playoffs MLB Rumors: Yankees kissing Pettitte goodbye Latest baseball videos Rotoworld: Latest player news, rumors, stats, more Send in a question for the baseball expert   Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: