Carson Williams, a 21-year-old shortstop and top prospect, was called up to the Tampa Bay Rays after Ha-Seong Kim was placed on the injured list with recurring back trouble. Williams, the 28th overall pick in 2021, is known for a strong glove and growing power and earned a MiLB Gold Glove in High Single-A. At Triple-A Durham this season he hit .213/.318/.447 with 23 home runs, 55 RBIs and 22 stolen bases in 111 games. The Rays made a 40-man roster move by transferring outfielder Stuart Fairchild to the 60-day injured list. The team entered Thursday 61-66 amid injuries and relocation due to hurricane damage to Tropicana Field.
"I am excited for sure," Cash said. "Carson, I give him a lot of credit. He had a great year last year, continued to put himself on the map, and after some early season struggles, he's really come out of it and done well lately for Durham."
The 21-year-old was selected with the 28th overall pick in the 2021 draft. Known for his strong glove and developing power, he earned a MiLB Gold Glove in High Single-A in 2022. At Triple-A Durham this season, Williams hit .213 with a .318 on-base percentage and .447 slugging percentage. He has 23 home runs, 55 RBIs and 22 stolen bases in 111 games.
For the Rays, the call-up marks a step toward the future in a season that has gone off track. Forced to play their home schedule at the Yankees' spring training ballpark after hurricane damage to Tropicana Field, the club has been beset by injuries and inconsistent play. They entered Thursday 61-66, in fourth place in the AL East and 12½ games behind division-leading Toronto.
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