ST. PETERSBURG — The Tampa Bay Rays reinstated infielder Ben Williamson from the injured list Sunday and designated veteran outfielder Jake Fraley for assignment, a roster move that sharpens the club’s infield depth heading into the postseason.
Williamson, who had been sidelined since Aug. 6 with a right hamstring strain, started at second base and batted sixth in Sunday’s regular-season home finale against the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field. He hit .247/.309/.332 with three homers, 26 RBIs and 1.1 wins above replacement across 83 games before the injury.
“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.”
Manager Kevin Cash said the club was relieved to have Williamson healthy again. “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.”
Williamson began a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham, playing three games with one start at second base, one at shortstop and one as the designated hitter before the Rays cleared him to return. He will platoon with Richie Palacios at second base and back up Taylor Walls at shortstop.
Fraley, who had been sidelined by a hernia since May 17, returned from the 60-day injured list Tuesday but could not secure a roster spot with the emergence of left-handed-hitting outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. In 31 games for Tampa Bay, Fraley batted .216/.289/.364 with two homers and five RBIs. Cash acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. “Tough conversation, but respect the heck out of him,” he said. “His injuries kind of derailed his season. None of us drew it up the way it was.”
The Rays opted to retain infielder Jorge Mateo, who was acquired to fill Williamson’s role during his absence. Mateo is expected to see significant playing time during Tuesday’s doubleheader at Yankee Stadium, where Tampa Bay faces two left-handed starting pitchers. Fraley could clear waivers and remain in the organization as a potential postseason bench option.