Rays finalize expected decision on .341 OPS top prospect ahead of Cubs series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Rays are making a change in the infield before their series against the Chicago Cubs.

Advertisement

Shortstop Taylor Walls began the season on the injured list with a right oblique strain. The slick fielder needed a replacement, and Tampa Bay turned to top prospect Carson Williams.

Williams, 22, made it into seven games with the Rays, but will head back to the minors on Monday. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Walls was activated from the injured list, and Williams is being optioned to Triple-A.

In 25 trips to the plate, Williams managed just three hits and one walk, striking out nine times. Further development at the plate will be key for the former first-round draft pick.

MORE: Jo Adell robbed 3 home runs in the same game

Advertisement

Meanwhile, the Rays get back one of the better defensive shortstops in baseball in Walls, whose +17 defensive runs saved in 2025 make up for a mediocre .220/.280/.319 slash line with just four home runs.

Walls does provide speed on the basepaths, though, with 14 or more stolen bases in each of the last three seasons, including a career high 22 in 2023.

More MLB news: