Tampa Bay Rays center fielder B.J. Upton could make his first appearance of the season on Friday. Joe Maddon confirmed on Thursday that Upton will be brought off the disabled list for Friday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Upton suffered a back injury during spring training and started the season on the DL, but is finally ready to return, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

#Rays Maddon confirms Upton is set to come off DL for Friday's game. Also, they don't plan to reduce pitching staff to make room

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) April 19, 2012

The Rays also recently claimed Brandon Allen off waivers from the Oakland Athletics, and are expected to add both Allen and Upton to the roster ahead of Friday's game. If both are activated, two Rays will be sent down to Triple-A to make room.

For more on Upton, head over to Tampa Bay Rays blog DRaysBay. You can find more on the entire world of baseball at Baseball Nation.