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-o

See Full Page