Rays activate Williamson off IL, option Williams to Triple-A among roster moves

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays got back a key part of their infield before Friday night’s series opener against the Angels at Tropicana Field.

Ben Williamson was reinstated from the 10-day injured list after missing nearly two weeks due to a low back strain. The Rays optioned infielder Carson Williams to Triple-A Durham to make room for Williamson’s return.

Separately, Tampa Bay continued its recent bullpen shuffle by selecting the contract of right-hander Andrew Wantz from Triple-A and designating righty Jonathan Heasley for assignment.

Williamson felt a spasm in his back while fielding a ground ball in his last appearance on May 15. The Rays waited until May 20 to place him on the IL, but they made his stint retroactive to May 17, believing he would only need the minimum stint or close to it.

Acquired from the Mariners in February as part of a three-team trade, Williamson has been a big contributor for Tampa Bay on both sides of the ball. A slick and dependable defender, the 25-year-old has bounced around the infield at second base, shortstop and third, serving as the right-handed-hitting portion of a platoon with Richie Palacios at second.

At the plate, Williamson entered Friday slashing .268/.349/.339 with 14 RBIs and only 24 strikeouts in 127 plate appearances over 39 games this season. Having him back should allow the Rays to give Taylor Walls -- who sat out the last two games in Baltimore due to left hamstring tightness -- the occasional day off. The Rays can also run Palacios out to right field -- where they’re without Jake Fraley and Jonny DeLuca -- when needed.

Williams, who began the season as Tampa Bay’s top prospect and Opening Day shortstop, went hitless with a walk over eight plate appearances in his second big league stint of the season. He was used as a pinch-runner twice last week and scored a run in both appearances.

Wantz, 30, spent parts of four seasons in the Majors with the Angels before undergoing Tommy John surgery in July 2024. He signed a Minor League deal with the Rays in January 2025, made his way back to the mound for 12 Minor League outings, then came to Major League Spring Training as a non-roster invitee this year.

Heasley gave up five runs on eight hits over four innings in relief in the Rays’ 11-2 loss to the Orioles on Wednesday in Baltimore, his first big league appearance since May 23, 2024.