Rays call up shortstop Carson Williams, place Ha-Seong Kim on the IL with recurring back trouble

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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays called up top shortstop prospect Carson Williams on Thursday before their series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Rays made the move as they placed shortstop Ha-Seong Kim on the injured list with recurring back trouble.

Manager Kevin Cash, speaking before the move was finalized, said he was eager to see Williams join the team.

“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.”

Williams arrived at George M. Steinbrenner Field less than an hour gametime and was not in the lineup. He is expected to see his first action later in the series.

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, and is ranked among MLB Pipeline’s top 50 prospects.

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 12 1/2 games behind division-leading Toronto.

Kim’s injury created the opening. The shortstop was examined Wednesday and is expected to be shut down for several days. Cash said the club is optimistic Kim’s stint on the injured list will be close to the minimum 10 days.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rays transferred outfielder Stuart Fairchild to the 60-day injured list.

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