Overview

• Tampa Bay activated the 22-year-old shortstop before the Cardinals series and transferred Stuart Fairchild to the 60-day IL to clear a 40-man spot.
• Williams arrived at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Thursday, was not in the starting lineup, and is expected to make his debut later in the series.
• The former first-round pick posted 23 home runs, 22 steals and a .765 OPS at Triple-A Durham this year, with a third straight 20-20 season.
• Scouting reports highlight plus defense, power and speed alongside a 34% strikeout rate and roughly 39% whiff rate that raise offensive questions.
• Manager Kevin Cash praised Williams’ progress as the 61-66 Rays seek answers down the stretch, with MLB Pipeline ranking him No. 47 overall.