The Tampa Rays are in the midst of a seven game losing streak that has virtually knocked them out of the American League playoff race. But the team hasn’t been eliminated and, mathematically, if the team could get on a huge roll, they could conceivably make themselves a player during the last month of the season.

During Wednesday’s ESPN game between Tampa and the best money can buy, the New York Yankees, the Rays took an early 2-0 lead. In the 5th inning, Derek Jeter lined a ball to deep centerfield. B.J. Upton jogged slowly after the ball, then threw up his hands as it hit on the warning track and then bounced into the stands for a ground-rule double.

I haven’t seen the entire game. But the announcers are talking like this isn’t the first issue the Rays have had with Upton tonight. It definitely would not have been the first time manager Joe Maddon had been confronted with an issue due to an alleged lack of hustle on Upton’s part – he benched Upton at least twice in 2008 for just that issue.

ESPN announcer Dan Shulman indicated that if it’s the best he can do because of an ankle issue, he shouldn’t be in the game. And that if it is the best he is choosing to do out of frustration or laziness, he also shouldn’t be in the game.

He’s right.

No doubt, it’s been a frustrating year for Upton. He hasn’t hit well for average (.230s all season) or for power (just nine homers) and he’s been hampered by some injuries. But the one thing you can control is effort. Jeter’s fly ball looked to be over Upton’s head regardless. But his lack of hustle in attempting to catch it was troubling.

After the inning Upton was seen talking with a trainer. Manager Joe Maddon then patted him on the shoulder. Announcers said he then headed up the tunnel to the locker room. Upton did not return to the game.

Announcer Steve Phillips remarked between innings that “I’m glad to see it was physical … Players sometimes say yes when they shouldn’t” when it comes to playing through injuries.

I hope it’s physical too. If it isn’t physical the announcers might have been right when they said earlier in the broadcast that, despite Upton’s potential with the bat and superior skills in the field, it might be time for the Rays to look at moving him to another team.

Physical problems are one thing. It’s admirable for a player to attempt to play through pain, even when sometimes they shouldn’t.

Lack of effort is another. That’s disrespectful to teammates, to fans, to management and, in the case of someone as talented as Upton, it’s disrespectful to Upton himself.