ATLANTA — The Tampa Bay Rays placed shortstop Taylor Walls on the 10-day injured list with a right hip flexor strain before their series opener against the Braves at Truist Park, the third roster blow in a matter of days for the American League-leading club.
Walls’ assignment was made retroactive to Sunday after he last played Saturday at Globe Life Field in Arlington. To fill his roster spot, Tampa Bay recalled veteran infielder Nick Madrigal from Triple-A Durham.
The move compounds an already painful stretch for the Rays’ pitching staff. Starter Shane McClanahan and reliever Garrett Cleavinger were both placed on the injured list over the weekend, leaving the club short-handed on both sides of the roster.
Despite subpar offensive numbers, Walls’ elite defense at shortstop has made him one of Tampa Bay’s most valuable players this season. According to Baseball Reference’s calculation of Wins Above Replacement, Walls ranks fourth on the team at 3.1 WAR — trailing only All-Stars Junior Caminero (5.2), Drew Rasmussen (3.7) and Nick Martinez (3.5).
Madrigal is expected to factor into the Rays’ plans at shortstop during Walls’ absence. Tampa Bay can also turn to speedy infielder Jorge Mateo, who joined the roster as a de facto replacement for infielder Ben Williamson. Williamson spent most of the season as Walls’ backup at shortstop and a right-handed-hitting complement to Richie Palacios at second base.
Walls is eligible to return after the 10-day IL stint expires. The Rays continue their series against the Braves at Truist Park this week.