DUNEDIN, Fla. — The Rays have traded Willy Adames to the Brewers and called up prospect Taylor Walls to replace him at shortstop.
Reliever Trevor Richards also went to Milwaukee in the deal, with the Rays getting back two relievers they consider promising — Drew Rasmussen and J.P. Feyereisen.
Adames has been struggling offensively, hitting .197 with five homers, 15 RBIs and a .625 OPS, while striking out 51 times. He has continued to play strong defense and is one of the emotional leaders of the team.
The Rays have called up Taylor Walls from Triple-A Durham to play shortstop, picking him over top prospect Wander Franco based on Walls having more minor league experience and being “as good a defensive shortstop you’re going to find,” according to general manager Erik Neander.
Neander said Walls will be at shortstop quite a bit but Joey Wendle will get some time there, as well. Walls, 24, is a switch-hitter, posting a .327 average, two homers, 10 RBIs and a .958 OPS in 14 games at Triple-A Durham.
Feyereisen, 28, is a right-hander who has worked in 21 games, going 0-2, 3.26 with 20 strikeouts and 11 walks in 19 1/3 innings. He will join the big league team and Neander said they see him as having end of game ability.
Rasmussen, 25, is a right-hander who has worked in 15 games, going 0-1. 4.24 with 25 strikeouts and 12 walks in 17 innings. Rasmussen was drafted by the Rays in the first round of the 2017 draft but did not sign. He will report to Triple-A Durham initially.
Manager Kevin Cash raved about how important Adames has been and the role he has played in bringing the team together. He used the phrase “tear-jerking” in describing the loss, saying there is “some genuine disappointment” in the clubhouse but players understand.
Neander also spoke at length about the role Adames played in the clubhouse and on the field.
The Rays will be two players short for Friday's game against the Blue Jays in Dunedin.
