Williamson (right hamstring) likely headed to IL after 9th-inning exit

DENVER -- Infielder Ben Williamson exited the Rays’ 4-0 win over the Rockies on Wednesday afternoon at Coors Field in the ninth inning due to a right hamstring injury.

Williamson appeared to sustain the injury while running to first base after hitting a chopper to Colorado second baseman Edouard Julien. After grounding out, Williamson walked back to the dugout in obvious discomfort and had to be helped down the dugout stairs.

Ryan Vilade took Williamson’s place at second base to finish the game. Williamson is expected to undergo imaging that will yield a more specific injury diagnosis before the Rays’ series opener in Seattle on Friday night, but it seems likely he will wind up on the injured list.

“Grabbed his hammy pretty good,” manager Kevin Cash said afterward. “We’ll get him checked out tomorrow, for sure, and go from there.”

Acquired from the Mariners in a three-team trade over the offseason, Williamson has been a key part of the Rays’ infield mix this season, working mostly at second base alongside Richie Palacios while also playing some shortstop and third base. In 84 games, Williamson has produced a .247/.309/.332 slash line with three homers and 26 RBIs.

Palacios and Vilade are the Rays’ other options at second base, and they have a handful of players with Triple-A Durham who could step in if needed, including Carson Williams, Oliver Dunn and non-roster veteran Nick Madrigal.

Williams, a right-handed hitter like Williamson, was replaced by a pinch-hitter in the fourth inning of Durham’s game on Wednesday afternoon, not long after the Rays’ series finale at Coors Field ended.