The Tampa Bay Rays reinstated infielder Ben Williamson from the injured list before Sunday’s regular-season home finale against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay designated veteran outfielder Jake Fraley for assignment to create room for Williamson.
Williamson had been sidelined by a right hamstring strain he suffered Aug. 6. The right-handed-hitting infielder is expected to platoon with Richie Palacios at second base and back up Taylor Walls at shortstop.
Williamson returned to the lineup Sunday as the starting second baseman and No. 6 hitter. He completed a three-game Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham, making one start at second base, one at shortstop and one as the designated hitter.
“I’m super excited to be back,” Williamson said Sunday morning. “Definitely was disappointed going down with the injury. Didn’t know at the time if it was going to be the season or not, so just to be back, I’m super grateful.”
Williamson returns to Tampa Bay’s infield
Williamson hit .247/.309/.332 with three home runs, 26 RBIs and 1.1 wins above replacement in 83 games for the Tampa Bay Rays this season. His return gives manager Kevin Cash another option at second base and shortstop as Tampa Bay manages the workloads of Williamson and Walls.
Cash said Williamson worked hard during his rehabilitation and returned as a healthy player. “When he [was injured] in Colorado, I think there were a lot of questions whether he’d be back in time, but he’s busted his butt in the rehab,” Cash said. “He’s a healthy player — and did so much for us before the injury.”
The Rays acquired Jorge Mateo to fill Williamson’s role while Williamson was unavailable, but Tampa Bay kept Mateo after designating Fraley for assignment. Mateo can serve as a pinch-runner or backup infielder, giving the Rays additional flexibility while they manage playing time in the infield.
Jake Fraley designated for assignment
Fraley returned from the 60-day injured list Tuesday after being sidelined by a hernia since May 17. He hit .216/.289/.364 with two home runs and five RBIs in 31 games for Tampa Bay.
Fraley’s injuries limited his opportunity to make an impact after the Rays added him to their outfield mix last offseason. The emergence of fellow left-handed-hitting outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. also made it difficult for Fraley to find a role on Tampa Bay’s postseason roster.
Fraley could clear waivers and remain in the organization, which would allow the Rays to keep him under consideration as a potential bench bat for the postseason. Cash described the decision as difficult after discussing it with Fraley.
“Tough conversation, but respect the heck out of him,” Cash said. “His injuries kind of derailed his season. None of us drew it up the way it was.”
What comes next for the Tampa Bay Rays
Mateo is expected to play significantly during Tuesday’s doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. The Rays will face two left-handed starting pitchers in that doubleheader, creating an opportunity to use Mateo while managing the workloads of Williamson and Walls.
FSB Take
Williamson’s return restores a versatile infield option for the Tampa Bay Rays while Mateo remains available as a reserve. His rehab assignment included time at both second base and shortstop, matching the roles Tampa Bay expects him to handle. The distribution of playing time among Williamson, Palacios, Walls and Mateo will be worth watching during the home finale and Tuesday’s doubleheader.
Source: Original report