TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Rays activated their top shortstop prospect, Carson Williams, this Thursday, prior to the start of their series against the St. Louis Cardinals.The move came after the Rays placed shortstop Ha-Seong Kim on the injured list due to recurring back issues.Before the move was finalized, manager Kevin Cash expressed his enthusiasm to see Williams in action, who is ranked number 24 in the top 100 prospects of the season, according to ESPN.I’m excited, no doubt. I give Carson a lot of credit. He had a great year last year, continued to make a name for himself, and after some difficulties at the beginning of the season, he has really come through and done well lately for Durham.Williams arrived at George M. Steinbrenner Field less than an hour before the game and was not in the starting lineup. He is expected to see action later in the series.The 21-year-old was selected with the 28th pick in the 2021 draft. Known for his strong glove and growing power, he won a MiLB Gold Glove in High Single-A in 2022. In Triple-A Durham this season, Williams batted .213 with an on-base percentage of .318 and a slugging percentage of .447. He has accumulated 23 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases in 111 games.For the Rays, the call-up to the main team represents a step towards the future in a season that hasn’t gone as planned. Forced to play their home schedule at the Yankees’ spring training field after the damage caused by a hurricane at Tropicana Field, the club has been affected by injuries and inconsistent play. On Thursday, the team had a record of 61-66, in fourth place in the American League East Division and 12 1/2 games behind the division leader, Toronto.Kim’s injury created the opening. The shortstop was examined on Wednesday and is expected to be inactive for several days. Cash said the club is optimistic that Kim’s stay on the injured list will be close to the minimum of 10 days.To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rays transferred outfielder Stuart Fairchild to the 60-day injured list.
Rays Promote Prospect #1 Carson Williams Due to Kim Injury
