Rays Reinstated Ben Williamson from Injured List
The Tampa Bay Rays activated infielder Ben Williamson and designated Jake Fraley for assignment on Sunday.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Baseball
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The Tampa Bay Rays have reinstated infielder Ben Williamson from the injured list following his recovery from a right hamstring strain. To clear space on the active roster, the team designated outfielder Jake Fraley for assignment.
Why it matters
The move helps solidify the Rays roster depth as they weigh options for a potential postseason appearance. Keeping Jorge Mateo over Fraley provides the team with more utility in pinch-running and infield backup roles.
Ben Williamson recorded a .247/.309/.332 slash line with 26 RBIs in 84 games this season. Jake Fraley finished his stint with a .216/.289/.364 slash line and five RBIs across 31 appearances.
The players
Ben Williamson
He is an infielder for the Tampa Bay Rays who was sidelined for much of the season with a hamstring injury.
Jake Fraley
He is an outfielder who was designated for assignment by the Rays after struggling to secure a consistent spot on the roster.
Jorge Mateo
He is a utility player acquired by the Rays who serves as a specialist for pinch-running and infield defense.
Richie Palacios
He is a versatile player who will share playing time at second base with Williamson.
Taylor Walls
He is the primary shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays.
The details
Williamson, who completed a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham, returned to the starting lineup for the home finale at Tropicana Field. He is expected to platoon at second base with Richie Palacios and back up Taylor Walls at shortstop.
Timeline
May 17: Jake Fraley suffered a season-disrupting hernia injury.
Aug. 6: Ben Williamson went on the injured list with a right hamstring strain.
Sept. 15: Jake Fraley returned from the injured list and Williamson began his rehab.
Sept. 20: Ben Williamson was reinstated and played in the home finale.
The Big Picture
This roster adjustment reflects the final stage of team building leading up to the 2026 MLB postseason roster deadline. The decision to prioritize utility players like Jorge Mateo signals a shift in strategy toward defensive versatility and situational bench use as the playoffs approach.
Williamson is set to impact the Rays lineup rotation by splitting time at second base with Richie Palacios. His return provides the team with a higher-floor option for the remainder of the schedule compared to the bench depth previously held by Fraley.
The takeaway
The return of a healthy starter like Williamson provides the Rays with much-needed stability in the infield for the final stretch of games. Managers often prioritize defensive flexibility and speed on the bench over positional power when preparing for potential playoff series.
Further reading
Find more coverage on team moves and standings in the Baseball section.
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Do you support the team's decision to prioritize utility players over veteran roster members?
