Taylor Walls
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MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 27 2025Walls is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will yield to Jose Caballero at shortstop Friday for the third time in five games. Walls is 5-for-19 (.263) with six RBI and a stolen base over his last five games.
Jun 25 2025Walls is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will hit the bench for the second time in three games as Jose Caballero gets the nod at shortstop. Though the Rays value Walls mainly for his defense and baserunning, he's maintained an .826 OPS so far in June, which should allow him to continue holding down at least a semi-regular role in the lineup.
Jun 22 2025Walls is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 3-for-9 with a double, four RBI and a run while starting the first two games of the series, Walls will get a breather. Jose Caballero will step in at shortstop.
Jun 15 2025Walls went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored Sunday against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls lost playing time at shortstop for roughly a two-week stretch from May 21 to June 4. However, he's been in the lineup for eight of Tampa Bay's last 10 games and gone 10-for-27 with six runs scored, eight RBI and one stolen base in that stretch. Walls started two of three games in the team's weekend series against the Mets and scored three runs with two RBI.
Jun 13 2025Walls is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls had started five consecutive games at shortstop but will yield to Jose Caballero at the position Friday for the second time in three games. Walls is 8-for-24 (.333) with six RBI and three runs scored in June.
Jun 11 2025Walls will start at shortstop and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls appears to have taken back primary duties at shortstop away from Jose Caballero, who is on the bench against a righty for the second time in three contests and who has also made two of his previous three starts in the outfield. Meanwhile, Walls will be occupying shortstop for the sixth time in seven games, with his hot run at the plate giving Rays manager Kevin Cash some extra incentive to keep his bat in the lineup. Walls has opened June by going 7-for-20 with a home run, two doubles, two walks, a stolen base and six RBI in seven contests. His stint at the top of the depth chart could be brief however, with Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) closing in on his activation from the injured list.
Jun 8 2025Walls went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, a double and an additional RBI in Saturday's 11-10 extra-inning loss to the Marlins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls is currently in the midst of his best stretch of the season, posting his third multi-hit game in a row Saturday. The 28-year-old has gone 6-for-12 with two doubles, a home run and five RBI over the three-game stretch and could be included in the lineup on a more frequent basis while he's wielding a hot bat.
May 31 2025Walls is not in the Rays' starting lineup against the Astros on Saturday, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will begin Saturday's contest on the bench while Jose Caballero starts at shortstop and bats in the leadoff spot. Walls has slashed .228/.313/.263 with three steals and four RBI in 67 plate appearances since the beginning of May.
May 25 2025Walls (groin) will start at shortstop and bat seventh Sunday against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls sat out the previous three games due to groin soreness but is back in the lineup for Sunday's series finale. The 28-year-old has a .501 OPS through 45 games this season and is in the midst of a 2-for-25 slump.
May 24 2025Walls (groin) is not in the Rays' starting lineup against the Blue Jays on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will be out of the starting lineup for a third straight game due to groin soreness, though he did enter Friday's game as a pinch runner. Jose Caballero will start at shortstop and bat sixth in Saturday's contest.
May 21 2025Rays manager Kevin Cash said that Walls was scratched from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros due to groin soreness, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cash is hopeful that Walls will be available to play following a scheduled off day Thursday. Jose Caballero will take Walls' spot at shortstop Wednesday, with Curtis Mead entering the lineup at third base.
May 14 2025Walls is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though he'll be on the bench Wednesday, Walls appears to have taken back primary shortstop duties from Jose Caballero. Walls had started in each of the Rays' last nine games and provided a rare impact at the dish during that stretch, slashing .310/.400/.379 with two doubles, five walks, one steal, five runs and three RBI.
May 8 2025Walls went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and was caught stealing in Thursday's game against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls started his fifth straight game at shortstop and has gone 7-for-17 at the plate in that span. He also has four runs scored in that span, while raising his average to .205. As the latter number indicates, Walls is a light hitter, limiting his fantasy appeal even if he continues to get consistent at-bats.
May 7 2025Walls will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against the Phillies, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will make his fourth straight start, with the Rays going up against two lefties and two righties during that span. The defensive-minded Walls owns a measly .504 OPS on the season and appeared to have fallen behind Jose Caballero on the depth chart at shortstop, but a surprise 4-for-5 performance in Sunday's 7-5 win over the Yankees might have enabled Walls to regain some job security.
May 4 2025Walls went 4-for-5 with a double and two runs scored Sunday against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has lost playing time to Jose Caballero since April 19, but he started two of three games against the Yankees over the weekend. He combined to go 4-for-7 with an RBI and two runs scored, though he's still hitting only .192 for the season across 192 plate appearances.
May 1 2025Walls is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Royals, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though the Rays have valued Walls' dependable glove at shortstop over the last few seasons, he's routinely struggled to make much of an impact at the plate. Walls has taken another step back with the bat so far in 2025, slashing just .155/.247/.197 with one extra-base hit (a home run) and a 24.7 percent strikeout rate across 81 plate appearances. While the Rays probably won't phase Walls out entirely, he seems to have moved into more of a part-time role of late, as he'll hit the bench for the fifth time in the last eight games. Jose Caballero may have overtaken Walls as manager Kevin Cash's preferred option at shortstop.
Apr 19 2025Walls is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls owns a .459 OPS across 30 plate appearances over his last eight games and will now take a day to collect himself. Jose Caballero will fill the resulting void at shortstop and bat eighth.
Apr 10 2025Walls is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will get a breather for the day game after he started in each of the Rays' last three contests. Jose Caballero will pick up the start at shortstop in place of Walls, who has produced a .143/.273/.143 slash line with three stolen bases, two runs and one RBI over 33 plate appearances.
Apr 6 2025Walls went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Sunday's loss to the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls led off the fifth with a base knock and stole second for his second theft of the year. Walls has just three hits in 26 plate appearances thus far, as his hitting woes from past seasons have carried over into 2025 early on.
Apr 5 2025Walls is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against Texas, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 0-for-8 with four strikeouts over his last three games, Walls will get a chance to regroup Saturday while Jose Caballero starts at shortstop and bats ninth.
Mar 31 2025Walls is not in the Rays' starting lineup against the Pirates on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls went 2-for-9 with two walks, one stolen base and one RBI across three games against the Rockies. He'll begin Monday's game in the dugout, with Jose Caballero starting at shortstop and batting ninth.
Mar 13 2025Walls (quadriceps) is in the lineup for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will return to action for the first time since March 8, having turned the page on the quad issue. Known more for his glove than his bat, Walls is expected to serve as the Rays' primary shortstop until offseason addition Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) is ready to return. Kim is said to be targeting late May for his 2025 debut.
Mar 10 2025Walls left Saturday's Grapefruit League game with a quad injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The injury is expected to be minor, as Walls is projected to return to the lineup Thursday. He had a solid spring prior to being sidelined, collecting five hits across 16 at-bats -- albeit with only one extra-base hit. Walls is slated to begin the season as the Rays' starting shortstop with Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) sidelined.
Jan 22 2025The Rays and Walls avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.35 million contract with a $2.45 million club option for 2026 on Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The buyout on the option is $50,000, so Walls is guaranteed at least $1.4 million. Walls, 28, slashed only .183/.282/.248 over 84 games for the Rays in 2024 but remains an excellent defender and should get ample time at shortstop in 2025.
Sep 29 2024Walls is absent from Sunday's lineup against Boston, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Jose Caballero will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Tampa Bay's regular-season finale. Unless he pinch hits Sunday, Walls will end the year slashing .183/.282/.248 with 16 stolen bases, one home run and 14 RBI over 252 plate appearances.
Sep 27 2024Walls is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will yield to Jose Caballero at shortstop for the second time in three games. In September, Walls is 12-for-50 (.240) with five stolen bases, eight runs and seven RBI.
Sep 25 2024Walls is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will hit the bench after a stretch of three consecutive starts and five starts in the past six games. The infielder has produced a weak .546 OPS in September, but that mark is actually an improvement over his season-long OPS of .519. He continues to see semi-regular playing time largely because of his defensive work.
Sep 15 2024Walls is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls started Friday and Saturday and will sit for Sunday's series finale after going 1-for-7 with three strikeouts. Jose Caballero is starting at shortstop and batting seventh.
Sep 12 2024Walls isn't in the Rays' lineup for Thursday's game versus Cleveland, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will take a seat Thursday after going 1-for-3 with an RBI during Wednesday's game against the Phillies. In his place, Jose Caballero will start at shortstop and bat sixth.
Sep 9 2024Walls will start at shortstop and bat seventh in Monday's game against the Phillies, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will pick up his sixth consecutive start at shortstop and may have at least temporarily reclaimed a near-everyday role from Jose Caballero. The Rays will have room in the middle infield for both players while Brandon Lowe (finger) is on the bench Monday for a fourth straight game, but Walls has made a case for continuing to see regular playing time once Lowe returns. Over his last five starts, Walls has gone 5-for-15 with a home run, three walks, five RBI, four runs and two stolen bases.
Sep 7 2024Walls went 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk, two RBI, an additional run scored and a stolen base in Saturday's 7-1 win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls had his best game of the season Saturday, homering for the first time this year in the third inning and swiping his 13th bag in the eighth. The shortstop has produced on just six hits in his past 10 games, scoring six times while driving in seven runs. On the season, he is hitting just .178 with 12 RBI and 23 runs scored across 212 plate appearances.
Aug 31 2024Walls went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored Friday against the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls delivered a two-RBI single in the second inning, bringing his total on the season to only seven RBI across 193 plate appearances. He remains the regular shortstop in Tampa Bay and does have 11 steals but otherwise offers a poor offensive profile.
Aug 28 2024Walls is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will hit the bench for the series finale after starting each of the past three games, allowing Jose Caballero to pick up a start at shortstop. The Rays value Walls' glovework in the middle infield, but he's been one of the league's least productive hitters this season. Among the 378 players who have logged at least 150 plate appearances heading into Wednesday, Walls ranks 375th with a .493 OPS.
Aug 24 2024Walls is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls had started six of the Rays last seven games, but he'll give way to Jose Caballero at shortstop Saturday. Walls is 11-for-48 (.229) with five runs, six stolen bases and more walks (six) than strikeouts (four) in August.
Aug 22 2024Walls will start at shortstop and bat seventh in Thursday's game against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though he appeared to be at risk of moving into more of a part-time role when the Rays recalled infielder Junior Caminero from Triple-A Durham on Aug. 13, Walls still looks to be the team's top option at shortstop. Walls will pick up his fifth start in six games Thursday, while Jose Caballero has instead taken the bigger hit from a playing-time perspective following the arrival of Caminero. Caballero boasts the better fantasy profile of the two players thanks to his willingness to run (35 steals in 48 attempts this season), but the Rays seem to place greater value on Walls' defense at shortstop.
Aug 14 2024Walls went 1-for-3 with a walk, two stolen bases and one run scored in Wednesday's 2-1 extra-inning loss to the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls had one of the Rays' two hits in the contest. The shortstop has also managed to log four steals on five attempts over 11 games in August while batting .269 (7-for-26) this month. It's a welcome sign of success at the plate when compared to his meager .169/.290/.231 slash line for the year. Walls has added nine steals, four RBI, 16 runs scored and no home runs over 155 plate appearances. With third-base prospect Junior Caminero replacing Curtis Mead in the majors, Walls' playing time could still take a slight hit since Jose Caballero will likely have to get more of his time at shortstop moving forward.
Aug 10 2024Walls isn't in the Rays' lineup for Saturday's game against Baltimore, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls owns a .157/.283/.198 slash line through 145 plate appearances on the season, and he'll step out of the lineup against the formidable Corbin Burnes. Jose Caballero will shift to shortstop in Walls' place while Curtis Mead starts at the hot corner.
Aug 7 2024Walls is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Cardinals, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will get a breather Wednesday after he had started in each of the previous three games while going 1-for-10 at the dish, bringing his average down to a lowly .148 for the season. Jose Caballero will step in at shortstop for Walls, who is still valued for his defense even though the metrics are not exactly glowing in that regard this season. Walls should be considered at risk of moving into more of a utility role if he's unable to start offering more production at the plate.
Aug 3 2024Walls went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Saturday's 6-1 win over the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls recorded just his fifth hit in his last 16 games, batting .122 in that span. Despite the struggles with getting on base, he's logged three steals during his slump, in part thanks to drawing eight walks over those contests. He's posted a punchless .156/.277/.193 slash line with no home runs, six steals, four RBI and 12 runs scored over 130 plate appearances this year. He appears to still be the Rays' preferred shortstop despite adding nothing with the bat and also being a poor fielder -- per Statcast, he has recorded a -4 mark in outs above average in his first year exclusively at the position.
Aug 2 2024Walls isn't in the Rays' lineup for Friday's game against the Astros, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has gone just 1-for-14 with nine strikeouts over his last five games, and he'll now get a day off to regroup. Jose Caballero will slide over to cover shortstop while Curtis Mead starts at the hot corner.
Jul 27 2024Walls is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Cincinnati, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will get a breather Saturday after going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in Friday's 3-2 loss to Cincinnati. Jose Caballero will start at shortstop Saturday and bat seventh against Reds southpaw Andrew Abbott.
Jul 22 2024Walls is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will get a breather for Monday's day game after he started each of the first three contests of the series versus the Yankees, going 1-for-7 with a double, three walks, a stolen base and a run. Jose Caballero will step in for Walls at shortstop.
Jul 13 2024Walls isn't in the Rays' lineup for Saturday's game versus Cleveland, Steve Carney of StPeteNine.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 0-for-3 with a walk during Friday's win, Walls will take a seat Saturday while Jose Caballero starts at shortstop, batting seventh.
Jul 11 2024Walls isn't in the Rays' lineup Thursday versus the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After going 2-for-3 during Wednesday's loss, Walls will take a seat for Thursday's series finale against Nestor Cortes. Jose Caballero will get the nod to start at shortstop instead.
Jul 7 2024Walls is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will hit the bench for the series finale after he started each of the past three games while going 2-for-11 with a walk, an RBI and a run. Jose Caballero steps in for Walls at shortstop.
Jul 3 2024Walls is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game at Kansas City. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls started the previous four games but will sit Wednesday after going 1-for-10 with three walks and five strikeouts during that stretch. Jose Caballero will take over at shortstop and bat eighth.
Jun 26 2024Walls is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Mariners, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls had a rare big night offensively in Tuesday's 11-3 win over Seattle, going 3-for-4 with a triple, two RBI and a run scored. He'll begin Wednesday's game on the bench, enabling Jose Caballero to pick up a start at shortstop.
Jun 25 2024Walls went 3-for-4 with a triple, two RBI and a run scored Tuesday against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls recorded just his second multi-hit game in 12 starts this season, and the performance brought his average to .175 on the campaign. Despite his struggles at the plate, Walls has made five consecutive starts at shortstop, all of which have come against right-handed pitchers.
Jun 20 2024Walls is out of the lineup for Thursday's contest in Minnesota, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls started six of eight games at shortstop after returning from the injured list June 7 but has now been in the lineup just once over the last five tilts, though he was battling an illness for some of that time. Jose Caballero will cover shortstop Thursday in Walls' stead.
Jun 19 2024Walls (illness) will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Wednesday's game versus the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was unavailable for a few days due to an illness, but he's feeling well enough to give it a go Wednesday. He's started at shortstop in six of 11 games since returning from the injured list June 7.
Jun 18 2024Walls (illness) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game in Minnesota. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's not clear whether Walls remains under the weather or if the Rays had planned to start Jose Caballero at shortstop in this one regardless. Walls has been the club's primary shortstop since coming off the injured list earlier this month.
Jun 16 2024Walls isn't available for Sunday's game against Atlanta due to an illness, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The switch-hitting Walls' bout with the illness might help explain why he's out of the lineup Sunday against a right-hander (Hurston Waldrep) for the second day in a row. Jose Caballero -- who had been battling an illness of his own lately -- was scheduled to start at shortstop Sunday in Walls' place, but he was scratched after experiencing left calf tightness leading up to opening pitch. Amed Rosario is now set to operate as the Rays' shortstop in the series finale in Atlanta.
Jun 15 2024Walls is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's contest against Atlanta. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will take a seat after he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Friday's series opener. Amed Rosario will draw the start at shortstop and bat seventh versus Atlanta.
Jun 13 2024Walls went 0-for-2 with two walks, a stolen base and a run scored Wednesday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has started five of six games since being activated from the injured list, though he's collected just two hits in 14 at-bats. Positively, he stole his first base of the season Wednesday, suggesting he'll still be willing to run even after returning from a serious hip injury.
Jun 10 2024Walls is out of the lineup for Monday's contest against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls started at shortstop in each of the Rays' three games over the weekend following his activation from the 60-day injured list, but he will begin Monday's contest on the bench. Jose Caballero -- who had been the everyday shortstop prior to Walls' return -- will occupy the position Monday.
Jun 7 2024Walls went 2-for-4 Friday against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls made his season debut after recovering from hip surgery across the first two months of the season. He hit seventh in the order and started at shortstop, shifting Brandon Lowe to the bench with a lefty on the mound. It's unclear whether Walls will be able to cut into Jose Caballero's playing time at shortstop against right-handed pitching.
May 29 2024Walls (hip) will have his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has been playing in the Florida Complex League for the last week and went 2-for-17 with one home run, two walks and two strikeouts across five games. He was able to play entire games at shortstop and will now move up levels in what should be a final stint in his rehab before being activated from the injured list.
May 21 2024The Rays assigned Walls (hip) to the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After developing inflammation in his surgically repaired right hip earlier this spring, Walls was shut down from activity for a bit, but he's progressed to the point that he's ready to test himself in a game setting. The infielder will eventually move up to a higher affiliate, but he'll likely be looking at a lengthy rehab assignment since he's been on the injured list all season. Walls will probably be in store for a role as a utility infielder once he's activated.
May 15 2024Walls (hip) reported to the Rays' spring training facility in Port Charlotte, Fla. earlier this week and will go through workouts for the next 10-to-14 days before beginning a rehab assignment, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: According to Topkin, Walls will be going through a modified version of his own spring training while he builds up stamina and stacks up at-bats as he works his way back from the surgery he required last October to address a labral tear in his right hip. The Rays opted to shut Walls down in late April for two weeks after he experienced renewed inflammation in his hip, and the 27-year-old seemingly responded well to the extra time off. Since he's been on the injured list all season, Walls will presumably be in store for an extended minor-league rehab assignment, making it unlikely that he's activated before the end of May. Whenever he's ready to go, Walls could threaten Jose Caballero for everyday duties at shortstop.
Apr 22 2024Walls will be shut down from baseball activities for 10-to-14 days due to inflammation in his surgically repaired right hip, Evan Closky of WTSP in Tampa reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was shifted to the 60-day injured list over the weekend due to a setback and now we have some additional details on his lack of progress. He won't be eligible for activation until late May.
Apr 20 2024The Rays transferred Walls (hip) to the 60-day injured list Saturday, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Kevin Cash said last weekend that Walls has not been recovering as quickly as the Rays had hoped for, and the infielder's move to the 60-day IL is further indication that he is not nearing a return soon. Walls is now eligible to return from the IL beginning May 26, though it remains unclear whether he'll be ready to go by then or not. Erasmo Ramirez was selected from Triple-A Durham to fill the open spot on Tampa Bay's 40-man roster.
Apr 15 2024Walls (hip) is not recovering as quickly as the Rays had originally hoped, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has yet to play this season while recovering from offseason hip surgery. He was expected to return by mid-April, but he has no clear timeline at this point. Walls' ongoing absence should ensure continued playing time for Jose Caballero at shortstop.
Mar 27 2024The Rays placed Walls (hip) on the 10-day injured list Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls is working his way back from last October's surgery to repair a labral tear in his right hip. According to MLB.com, Walls has been hitting in the batting cage, fielding grounders and throwing during spring training, and he's set to meet with a doctor Monday to get a gauge of where he stands in his recovery from surgery. Since he'll need to go through a spring training-esque progression that likely includes a minor-league rehab assignment once he's cleared to intensify his baseball activities, Walls might not be ready to make his season debut until late April or early May.
Feb 13 2024Walls (hip) is expected to take the field within two or three weeks of the start of the regular season, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls is recovering from hip surgery and won't be ready to take the field on Opening Day. There hasn't been much detailed information about his rehab, but he has resumed defensive work while taking swings off a tee. He's also begun running to test the range of motion in his hip. Assuming he remains on track, Walls shouldn't miss much time and will compete with Jose Caballero for the starting shortstop job once activated from the injured list.
Jan 16 2024Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander revealed last week that it's "unlikely" Walls (hip) will be ready for Opening Day, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls underwent surgery in October to repair a labral tear in his right hip. Manager Kevin Cash had expressed optimism last month that the infielder would be ready for the start of the season, but Neander isn't as hopeful and also noted that, when Walls does make it back, he's unlikely to receive a full workload. Jose Caballero appears poised to be Tampa Bay's Opening Day shortstop.
Dec 5 2023Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday that Walls (hip) is on track to be ready for the beginning of the 2024 season, Steve Carney of StPeteNine.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls underwent surgery in late October to repair a labral tear in his right hip and relieve discomfort caused by an impingement, but he has progressed well in the early stages of his rehab program and could resume workouts sometime in February. The 27-year-old racked up 22 stolen bases over 99 games in 2023, though he finished with a rough .201/.305/.333 overall slash line.
Oct 30 2023Walls underwent right hip surgery Monday and is expected to return to participating in baseball activities in February, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The procedure was to relieve discomfort from an impingement and repair a labral tear in his right hip. Walls' readiness for Opening Day will be determined later in the rehab process, according to a release from the team. He hit .179 with a .278 slugging percentage in his final 263 at-bats of the season.
Oct 3 2023Walls is starting at shortstop and batting seventh in Tuesday's AL Wild Card Series opener versus the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls didn't start two of the Rays' final three regular-season games and has posted an anemic .491 OPS since the beginning of June. However, manager Kevin Cash trusts Walls' glove at shortstop more than anyone else and that's earned him a start in Game 1.
Sep 29 2023Walls is absent from the lineup Friday at Toronto. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Junior Caminero is playing shortstop and batting sixth as Curtis Mead handles second base and hits third. Walls, 27, has slashed just .125/.250/.208 with 21 strikeouts over his last 57 plate appearances dating back to Sept. 7.
Sep 18 2023The Rays reinstated Walls (personal) from the paternity list Monday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was away for a couple of days while tending to more important real-life matters. Tristan Gray had replaced Walls on the roster but will now head back to Triple-A Durham with Walls back in tow.
Sep 16 2023Walls was placed on the paternity list Saturday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls can be away from the team for up to three games. To take his spot on the roster, the Rays selected the contract of Tristan Gray.
Sep 7 2023Walls (groin) is starting at shortstop and batting seventh Thursday versus the Mariners in his return to the lineup. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls hasn't played since Sunday because of a groin injury, but he feels well enough to give it a go in the series opener against Seattle. Assuming his health cooperates, Walls should see the bulk of the starts at shortstop for the Rays while Wander Franco is on administrative leave.
Sep 6 2023Walls (groin) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox but could be available off the bench, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old indicated he's fully recovered from the groin issue that's sidelined him the past couple days, but he'll still be held out of the lineup for Wednesday's series finale. Walls is expected to rejoin the starting nine Thursday versus Seattle but could see more regular off days going forward in an attempt to manage the injury. Osleivis Basabe will receive another start at shortstop in his place.
Sep 5 2023Manager Kevin Cash said Walls (groin) is feeling better but isn't expected to rejoin the Rays' lineup until Thursday's game against the Mariners, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls is sitting for the second straight game Tuesday due to a groin issue, and it appears he'll also be sidelined for Wednesday's series finale versus Boston. It doesn't appear to be a serious injury, so the 27-year-old should be back by the end of the week. Vidal Brujan is making a second consecutive start at shortstop Tuesday.
Sep 4 2023Walls is absent from the Rays' lineup Monday versus the Red Sox due to a groin injury, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls just returned Saturday after missing more than six weeks with an oblique strain and he lasted just two games before suffering another injury. The Rays are hopeful that he'll be able to avoid an IL stint this time around, but he'll be down for at least a day or two. Vidal Brujan is at shortstop Monday.
Sep 1 2023Walls (oblique) was activated Friday from the 10-day injured list, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls is recovered from a left oblique strain that has kept him sidelined since late July and figures to get consistent work at shortstop down the stretch with Wander Franco on administrative leave. Osleivis Basabe remains active with major-league rosters expanding from 26 to 28, but he could slide into more of a utility role.
Aug 25 2023Walls (oblique) is on track to be activated from the injured list Sept. 1, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls recently turned a corner in his recovery from the left oblique strain that sent him to the injured list four weeks ago. He'll take another round of live batting practice Sunday before then embarking on a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham that is slated to run from Tuesday through Thursday.
Aug 9 2023Rays manager Kevin Cash said Wednesday that Walls (oblique) is "still a ways away" from a return, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A left oblique strain forced Walls to the injured list back on July 22 and there is still no timetable for his return to major-league action. The switch hitter has swiped 20 bags this season and he's taken a step forward with the bat, with a 95 wRC+ putting him just a little below league average by that metric.
Jul 22 2023Walls was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a left oblique strain, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The injured occurred during Thursday's loss to the Orioles. No timetable for Walls' return has been established, but it's an injury which typically requires more than a minimum stay on the IL. Isaac Paredes should see a little more playing time with Walls out and Vidal Brujan -- who has taken Walls' spot on the roster -- could also get some starts.
Jul 19 2023Walls will start at shortstop and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against the Rangers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls remains without a direct path to a spot in the everyday lineup, but he's picked up starts in four of the Rays' first six games out of the All-Star break at either second base, third base or shortstop. He'll be filling Wednesday for a resting Wander Franco, but despite his versatility, Walls isn't expected to handle a near-everyday role for the balance of the season while all of Tampa Bay's key infielders are available. Walls got off to a strong start to the season at the plate, but since the beginning of June, he's turned in a woeful .152/.264/.200 slash line.
Jul 6 2023Walls went 0-for-3 with a walk and two steals in Thursday's 3-1 loss against the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls continued to run all over the Phillies, racking up his second and third stolen bases of the series Thursday. The pair of swipes pushed him to 20 on the season, the ninth most in baseball. Though he's managed to produce in the steal column lately, Walls is going through a mini-slump, having gone hitless in each of his last four games (10 at-bats).
Jul 1 2023Walls went 2-for-5 with an RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base Friday against the Mariners. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was held out of the Rays' lineup for three games with a back issue, but he returned to tally his second multi-hit performance in 24 games in June. He hit just .175 for the month and also had only two stolen bases. Walls is hitting just .218 across 242 plate appearances on the campaign, but his 12.4 percent walk rate gives him additional opportunity to rack up runs and stolen bases.
Jun 30 2023Walls (back) is hitting eighth and playing second base Friday versus Seattle, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was kept out of the lineup for three consecutive games because of tightness in his back/right lat, but the infielder is ready to roll against the Mariners for the series opener. Vidal Brujan will retreat to the bench with Walls back in the lineup.
Jun 29 2023Walls (back) remains out of the lineup for Thursday's game in Arizona, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the third straight game Walls has missed with right lat/back tightness. An MRI came back negative, but it's possible Walls will need a stint on the injured list if the issue lingers. Vidal Brujan will be at second base and Isaac Paredes will handle the hot corner Thursday.
Jun 28 2023Walls (back) is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: As expected, Walls will miss a second straight game after being scratched from the Rays' lineup Tuesday due to tightness in the middle of his back. The hope is that he might be able to return to action in Thursday's series finale at Arizona. Vidal Brujan is covering second base and batting ninth Wednesday night at Chase Field.
Jun 27 2023Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters after Tuesday's loss that Walls (back) won't return to the starting lineup Wednesday against the Diamondbacks, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cash confirmed that Walls is day-to-day with the injury. The infielder was scheduled to hit seventh and play second base versus Arizona on Tuesday, buth e was scratched from the lineup due to tightness in the middle of his back. With Walls out of the lineup, it's likely Isaac Paredes will get another start at second base in his absence.
Jun 15 2023Walls went 1-for-4 with a stolen base Wednesday against the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has only four hits across 41 at-bats in June, limiting his opportunity to steal bases. Despite the slow stretch, he's maintained a consistent role -- he's benefitted from the absence of Brandon Lowe (back) -- and has been out of the lineup only twice in the team's last 15 games. Walls should remain a decent source of stolen bases and runs if he can get back on track at the plate, though he's now hitting only .209 across 198 plate appearances for the season.
Jun 1 2023Walls went 0-for-2 with two walks, a run scored and a stolen base Wednesday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls got a rare start at shortstop with Wander Franco (shoulder) sidelined, though he has been a regular in the lineup playing both second and third base. He tallied his 15th stolen base of the season Wednesday, six of which have come in his last five starts. Walls' primary path to fantasy value is his speed, though he also has 29 runs scored across 44 games, aided by a strong .349 on-base percentage.
May 30 2023Walls isn't starting Tuesday against the Cubs, sMarc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has been in a cold spell at the plate recently, slashing just .152/.263/.212 over the past two weeks. Isaac Paredes will take over as Tampa Bay's third baseman Tuesday and bat sixth.
May 28 2023Walls is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls still lacks a direct path to an everyday spot at any one position, but he'd stuck in the lineup at either second or third base in each of the previous five games and racked up five stolen bases over that stretch. Thanks to his strong defense, excellent baserunning and improved production at the plate, Walls should be in store for only one or two off days a week even when Tampa Bay is at full strength.
May 27 2023Walls went 1-for-4 with a run scored and two stolen bases Friday against the Dodgers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls continues to use his defensive versatility to remain a regular in the lineup. In the last 10 games, he's started once at shortstop, four times at third base and three times at second. Walls has been particularly aggressive on the basepaths across the last two games by swiping four bases. His 13 stolen bases are the primary source of his fantasy value, but Walls has also quietly amassed an .840 OPS as well as 27 runs scored across 41 games this season.
May 18 2023Walls went 1-for-5 with a run and two stolen bases Wednesday in an extra-inning loss to the Mets. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was punched out four times in the contest, but he still helped his fantasy managers with a pair of thefts. One of those came after he began the 10th inning as the automatic runner, leading to a run that temporarily gave Tampa Bay the lead. Walls has nine steals through 33 games this season, which already puts him one short of his total over 142 contests last year.
May 14 2023Walls went 3-for-4 with a triple, a homer, four RBI and a steal in Sunday's victory over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls filled up the stat sheet Sunday, logging three hits, including a triple and a grand slam, powering the Rays to an 8-7 victory. Walls now has seven homers in 92 at-bats this season, one shy of his career high set in 407 at-bats last year. The 26-year-old infielder is slashing .281/.373/.583 with 22 runs scored, 18 RBI and seven stolen bases through 110 plate appearances while carving out a regular role in Tampa Bay's lineup.
May 9 2023Walls went 1-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run Tuesday against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls took Grayson Rodriguez yard in the fifth inning to record his sixth home run of the season. He now has three long balls across his last seven starts, though he has only seven total hits in that span. Walls has enjoyed a regular role while appearing primarily at second and third base, and he's maintained a .265/.365/.542 line across 96 plate appearances for the season.
May 7 2023Walls is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Yankees, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While moving between three positions (second base, third base and shortstop), Walls had started in six of the Rays' last seven games. He doesn't have a clear path to an everyday role at any one position, but Walls' versatility, slick glove, improved plate skills and ability to contribute as a baserunner should continue to allow him to pick up a handful of starts per week.
May 4 2023Walls went 1-for-3 with a solo home run Thursday against the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls opened the scoring with a solo home run off Vince Velasquez in the second inning of Thursday's game. It was his fifth long ball of the season, and second in his last three starts. Walls' defensive versatility has paid off early in the campaign, as he's been in the lineup in two-thirds of the team's last 21 games while playing a combination of second base, shortstop and third base. In addition to his power production, Walls has five stolen bases, 19 runs scored, 11 RBI and is hitting .290 across his first 80 plate appearances of the season.
May 1 2023Walls went 4-for five with a solo homer, two RBI, two runs scored and two steals during Sunday's 12-9 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls did a little bit of everything Sunday and ended an 0-for-15 slump at the plate with his second multi-hit effort of the season. His big hit of the day came in the fourth after he and Luke Raley hit back-to-back jacks against Mike Clevinger to put Rays ahead 2-1. Walls would notch steals in the sixth and eighth innings and drove in his second run of the game on a base hit in the ninth. The 26-year-old has struggled to hit for average throughout his young MLB career but could be playing himself into a near everyday role with his hot start to the season. He's now slashing .302/.397/.571 with four homers, 10 RBI, 18 runs, five steals and a 9:14 BB:K over 73 plate appearances. It's multi-positional eligibility certainly makes him an intriguing play in most fantasy formats.
Apr 29 2023Walls went 0-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base Saturday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was in the lineup for the fifth time in five games, a surprising trend given the return of Jose Siri. He's prioritized for his defense, and he has only two hits across his last 21 at-bats. Walls' primary contribution for fantasy purposes is his ability on the basepaths, and he has three stolen bases across his last nine games.
Mar 16 2023Walls (oblique) will serve as the Rays' designated hitter and No. 3 batter Thursday in a split-squad Grapefruit League game against Atlanta, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls is making his spring debut Thursday after he reported to camp battling an oblique strain that has prompted the Rays to bring him along slowly in workouts. The Rays will ease Walls back into the lineup in a non-defensive role, and he could be limited to DH duties for at least a couple more days before he gets the green light to make a start in the infield. Manager Kevin Cash has said that he anticipates Walls being ready to go for Opening Day, but that will be contingent on Walls avoiding any setbacks with the oblique during Grapefruit League play.
Mar 12 2023The Rays are targeting a return for Walls (oblique) on Thursday, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has been out of action since the beginning of spring training with an oblique strain. The Rays and manager Kevin Cash have insisted that the infielder would be ready for the start of the regular season, and a return to the Grapefruit League lineup two weeks before the start of the campaign seems to make that likely. Walls will likely serve as a utility infielder in 2023, and his role won't have much fantasy relevance unless he earns a bigger opportunity.
Mar 8 2023Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday that he still anticipates Walls (oblique) being ready to go for Opening Day, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. "As of right now, I'm not worried about 'Wallsy.' I'm confident he'll be ready," Cash said. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has been sidelined since the beginning of spring training with an oblique strain, but Cash and the Rays' training staff have apparently noticed enough progress from the infielder to become convinced that he's on track for the start of the regular season. Cash didn't specify where exactly Walls stands in his recovery, however, and the 26-year-old will almost certainly need to get at-bats in a handful of Grapefruit League games or minor-league exhibitions before he's formally cleared for Opening Day. Walls started in 122 of his 142 appearances for Tampa Bay in 2022 but is likely to serve as more of a short-side platoon option/utility man in the infield when all of Yandy Diaz, Wander Franco, Brandon Lowe and Isaac Paredes are available.
Mar 3 2023Walls (oblique) resumed light baseball activities Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has been dealing with a strained oblique since the start of camp but is "progressing well," Rays manager Kevin Cash said Thursday. It sounds like he probably has a ways to go before being cleared for game action, though.
Feb 24 2023Walls has been sidelined at the start of spring camp with an oblique injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The infielder has not been able to participate in Grapefruit League activities while dealing with the injury. Walls is expected to serve as a backup infielder with Tampa Bay after hitting just .172.268/.285 with eight homers and 10 steals over 466 plate appearances across 142 games with the Rays in 2022. There should be further updates on Walls' status as the spring progresses.
Oct 8 2022Walls will be on the bench for Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Guardians on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The light-hitting infielder started at second base in Game 1 but failed to record any of the Rays' three hits and was eventually lifted for a pinch hitter. Tampa Bay will try to get a bit more offense going with its Game 2 alignment. Isaac Paredes will start at second base, leaving Walls to serve as nothing more than a potential defensive replacement.
Oct 3 2022Walls is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The newly recalled Vidal Brujan will get a start at the keystone while Walls rests after making three straight starts out of the middle infield. With Brandon Lowe (back) done for the season, Walls is poised to serve as the Rays' primary second baseman for what's left of the regular season and for the duration of Tampa Bay's playoff run.
Oct 1 2022Walls went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored Friday against the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was in the lineup for the fourth time in the Rays' last five games, and he tallied his eighth homer of the season in the eighth inning against Phil Maton. He has tallied a home run and a stolen base with four runs scored in that same five-game span. Walls also had two long balls, three stolen bases and 12 runs scored across 23 games in September, though he hit just .185 for the month.
Sep 29 2022Walls is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Guardians, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has a .561 OPS through 21 games in September and will head to the bench for Thursday's series finale. Jonathan Aranda will step in at the keystone and bat leadoff.
Sep 28 2022Walls went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored Tuesday against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls reached base on a one-out single in the second inning and stole second base. He has 10 steals on the season, three of which have come since Sept. 7. Walls has struggled otherwise, maintaining just a .173/.264/.281 line with seven home runs and 51 runs scored across 445 plate appearances on the campaign. Even so, Walls has started in both of the Rays' past two games against right-handed pitchers and appears to have at least temporarily emerged as the team's preferred option at second base ahead of Jonathan Aranda.
Sep 25 2022Walls (groin) is starting at second base and hitting ninth Sunday against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls had been making appearances off the bench this weekend, but this is his first start since Thursday. He is hitting .171 with one home run and two steals in 18 games this month.
Sep 24 2022Walls (groin) isn't in the lineup Saturday against the Blue Jays, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was scratched from Friday's lineup due to right groin tightness, but he appeared off the bench and scored a run. It's not yet clear whether he'll be available off the bench Saturday.
Sep 23 2022Walls was scratched from Friday's lineup against the Blue Jays due to right groin tightness, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has been on the bench for three of the last four games, and he was removed from Friday's lineup a few hours before the start of the game. The severity of his injury isn't yet clear, but Miles Mastrobuoni will enter the lineup at the keystone and bat seventh.
Sep 19 2022Walls is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Astros, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls closed out the Rays' weekend series with the Rangers by making three consecutive starts out of the middle infield while going 2-for-9 with a home run, a walk, two RBI and two additional runs. Though he'll be on the bench Monday, Walls should see his opportunities pick up following the recent placement of Brandon Lowe (back) on the injured list. Walls will be vying for playing time at the keystone with Jonathan Aranda and Isaac Paredes.
Sep 12 2022Walls will start at shortstop and bat ninth in Monday's game against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will stay in the lineup for the second game in a row, but he's expected to handle more of a utility role for Tampa Bay moving forward now that Wander Franco has returned from the 10-day injured list. However, after starting in all three games of the Rays' weekend series with the Yankees, Franco will get a breather Monday, paving the way for Walls to step in at shortstop. Walls played third base in Sunday's 10-4 loss to New York, going 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run.
Sep 8 2022Walls went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a stolen base in Wednesday's win over the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls drove in the only run of the game on a fifth-inning single off righty starter Nick Pivetta, and the shortstop followed up with a double in the seventh. Walls has had even more trouble than usual generating power in his last 14 games with just one extra-base hit in 45 at-bats. The 26-year-old is serviceable at home, slashing .250/.323/.430 in 193 plate appearances, compared to .108/.216/.145 in 214 plate appearances away from Tampa Bay.
Sep 6 2022Walls is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls started the last nine games for the Rays, but he tallied just three hits in 32 at-bats (.094) over that span, so manager Kevin Cash decided to give him a day to clear his head. Yu Chang will start at shortstop in Walls' place.
Aug 25 2022Walls is not in the starting lineup against the Angels on Thursday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will take a seat after he went 2-for-10 with three RBI and a run scored while starting the first three games of the series. Yu Chang will take over at shortstop and bat eighth in the series finale.
Aug 24 2022Walls went 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored Tuesday against the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls delivered a single in the seventh inning and came around to score in the same frame to account for his production. The effort was only his third-multi hit game since the All-Star break, and Walls has hit just .190 -- he does have a .333 on-base percentage -- with eight RBI and 13 runs scored across 29 games in that span. He figures to remain the Rays' primary shortstop until Wander Franco (wrist) is able to return.
Aug 21 2022Walls is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Royals, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Yu Chang will draw the start at shortstop while Walls sits in the series finale. Walls had previously started in each of the Rays' last 11 games while slashing .242/.375/.424 with a home run, three doubles, six runs, four RBI, a stolen base and, perhaps most impressively, a 7:5 BB:K.
Aug 14 2022Walls went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 8-2 victory over Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls launched a two-run shot in the eighth inning that sent Jose Siri home and gave the Rays an 8-2 lead, which they would hold for the win. The homer was his sixth of the year and his second this month. While he only picked up one hit, the shortstop reached via walk twice. Walls also avoided a strikeout in the outing, his second such game out of nine this month. He is now batting .185 in August and .172 for the year.
Aug 7 2022Walls is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tigers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Yu Chang will step in at shortstop for Walls, who looks to be receiving a routine maintenance day. Walls had started in each of Tampa Bay's last five games while going 3-for-16 with a home run, four walks, three runs and two RBI.
Aug 6 2022Walls went 1-for-2 with three walks and two runs scored Friday against the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has started 11 of 14 games since the All-Star break, though Friday's effort marked only the third time he's reached base multiple times in that span. While he's maintained only a .139 average across those 11 starts, he's managed to score seven runs thanks to an 18.2 percent walk rate. Overall, Walls has a .548 OPS across 312 plate appearances this season, but he has been the regular starting shortstop since Wander Franco (wrist) was sidelined.
Aug 3 2022Walls went 2-for-3 with a solo home run Tuesday against the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls took Jordan Romano yard in the final inning to tally his fifth home run of the season. He hit just .188 with one home run, five RBI, 11 runs scored and one stolen base across 81 plate appearances in July. Despite the struggles, Walls has remained the team's primary shortstop, though Yu Chang has replaced him in the lineup for three of the team's last seven games.
Jul 31 2022Walls is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will sit for the second time in three games, and his leash as the Rays' everyday shortstop could be loosening while he struggles to make a consistent impact at the dish. Unless he's deployed off the bench Sunday, Walls will finish July with a lowly .188/.296/.290 slash line over 23 games.
Jul 29 2022Walls isn't starting Friday's game against the Guardians, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls started the last two games and went 0-for-6 with a run, two walks and three strikeouts. He'll get a breather while Yu Chang starts at shortstop and bats ninth.
Jul 15 2022Walls isn't starting Friday against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls is in the midst of a three-game hitting streak in which he's gone 4-for-10 with a homer, a double, four runs, three RBI and a strikeout. He'll get a breather while Isaac Paredes starts at second base with Yu Chang taking over at shortstop.
Jul 14 2022Walls went 1-for-4 with a solo home run Wednesday against the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has started all four games at shortstop since Wander Franco went down with a fractured wrist. On Wednesday he tallied his fourth home run of the season and first since June 7. Walls has maintained just a .165/.246/.274 line across 256 plate appearances this season, but the Rays have continued to find him a regular spot in the starting lineup.
Jul 8 2022Walls will not start Friday's game against the Reds, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls ranks fourth on the Rays with 236 plate appearances, though that's due entirely to his defense and positional versatility, as his .165/.246/.269 slash line leaves more than a bit to be desired. Isaac Paredes and Wander Franco will be the middle infielders Friday, with Yandy Diaz starting at third base.
Jul 4 2022Walls isn't in the lineup Monday against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls started in the last three games and went 3-for-11 with a double, two runs, an RBI and a stolen base. He'll get a breather while Isaac Paredes shifts to the keystone with Ji-Man Choi starting at first base.
Jul 3 2022Walls will start at second base and bat eighth in Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will stay in the lineup for the sixth time in seven games and appears to have solidified himself as the Rays' primary second baseman ahead of Vidal Brujan, at least until Brandon Lowe (back) returns from the injured list. Though he's produced a measly .186/.213/.302 slash line since the beginning of June, Walls' excellent defense in the middle infield looks as though it'll be enough to keep him atop the depth chart for now.
Jun 29 2022Walls went 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI on Wednesday against the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though it's made the infield more crowded, Walls has managed to stay in the lineup for two of three games since Wander Franco returned from the injured list. Walls delivered on the opportunity Wednesday, smacking a two-RBI double in the fourth inning. He has an ugly .167/.245/.276 line across 212 plate appearances for the season, but Walls has managed to collect at least one hit in five of his last six starts.
Jun 26 2022Walls is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Pirates, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wander Franco (quadriceps) was activated from the 10-day injured list and will start at shortstop in the series finale, leaving one spot in the infield no longer available for Walls, who is also capable of playing second and third base. The keystone looks to be Walls' best path to playing time with Franco back in the fold, but Walls may have to settle for backup duties at that position behind Vidal Brujan, who draws the starting nod Sunday. Neither Walls nor Brujan have been major producers at the plate this season, but Brujan may be the preferred option the moment after generating a .724 OPS over the Rays' last seven games.
Jun 23 2022Walls went 2-for-4 with a double Wednesday against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls led off the seventh inning with a double but was ultimately stranded. He had tallied a single three frames earlier to produce his first multi-hit game since May 3. Walls' time as the team's primary shortstop appears to be nearing an end with Wander Franco (quadriceps) in the midst of a rehab assignment.
Jun 20 2022Walls will be on the bench Monday against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls hits the bench after starting 13 games at shortstop. He struggled to a .451 OPS over that stretch, though that wasn't much worse than the .490 OPS he'd managed up to that point. Vidal Brujan will be the shortstop Monday.
Jun 8 2022Walls went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run Tuesday in the Rays' 4-2 win over the Cardinals in 10 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls made his lone hit of the game count, taking Drew VerHagen deep in the bottom of the 10th for a two-out walkoff blast, his third of the season. Now that he's moved past the calf issue that sidelined him for a few days last week, Walls is expected to maintain an everyday role at shortstop while Wander Franco (quadriceps) is on the 10-day injured list.
Jun 6 2022Walls went 1-for-4 on Sunday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls returned from a three-game absence that was caused by a calf issue and hit ninth while starting at shortstop. With Wander Franco (quadriceps) and Brandon Lowe (back) sidelined, Walls should continue to get considerable playing time. However, he'll need to hit better to hold off Isaac Paredes, as Walls has hit just .087 with one RBI and three runs scored across his last 15 games.
Jun 5 2022Walls (calf) is starting at shortstop and batting ninth Sunday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He was sidelined for a few days after fouling a ball off his calf. Walls, Vidal Brujan and Isaac Paredes are in a three-way split of the middle infield duties while Wander Franco and Brandon Lowe are on the injured list.
Jun 4 2022Walls (calf) is not in Saturday's lineup against the White Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was reportedly available off the bench Friday, so that will likely be the case again Saturday. He is still trying to get right after fouling a ball off his calf earlier this week. Vidal Brujan will start at shortstop and bat sixth.
Jun 3 2022Walls has been limited by a sore right calf but is available off the bench Friday against the White Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He fouled a ball off his calf earlier this week, which is why he has been absent from the lineup the last two days. Walls' defensive ability and versatility are why he is still in the majors, as he is in the midst of a 5-for-70 slump since May 4.
Jun 2 2022Walls isn't starting Thursday against the Rangers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls started in the last five games, but he'll get a breather after he went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts Wednesday. Yandy Diaz will shift to third base while Harold Ramirez takes over at first.
May 30 2022Walls went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and a walk Sunday against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls snapped a 58 at-bat stretch without an extra-base hit by smacking his second homer of the season. He's continued to get consistent playing time at third base with Brandon Lowe (back) sidelined but has hit just .096 with two RBI and five runs scored across his last 23 games. Walls' primary fantasy appeal comes from his speed, as he has managed five stolen bases while being caught once on the campaign.
May 27 2022Walls isn't starting Friday against the Yankees, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls is in the midst of a slump in which he's hit just .033 with a run, a walk and 10 strikeouts over his last 10 games, and he'll be out of the lineup for the second time in the last three matchups. Yandy Diaz will shift to third base while Harold Ramirez enters the lineup in right field.
May 25 2022Walls is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Yandy Diaz (shoulder) returning from a two-game absence to cover third base, Walls will take a seat for the series finale. Even if Diaz ends up seeing most of his starts at the hot corner moving forward, Walls would still have a pathway to playing time at the keystone, where Vidal Brujan hasn't provided much of an impact at the plate while serving as the primary replacement for the injured Brandon Lowe (back).
May 20 2022Walls will hit the bench Friday against Baltimore, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls sits for the second time in three games, a stretch that follows a run of six straight starts. Yandy Diaz starts at third base Friday, while Wander Franco and Isaac Paredes fill the middle infield spots.
May 17 2022Walls will not start Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has been in a slump at the plate recently, grabbing just two hits while striking out 14 times across his last 11 games. Yandy Diaz starts at third base Tuesday.
May 14 2022Walls has been added to the lineup for Saturday's game against Toronto, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was expected to get a day off Saturday after he was a late addition to Friday's lineup, but he'll join the starting nine after Brandon Lowe (undisclosed) was a late scratch Saturday. Walls will start at the keystone and bat eighth.
May 13 2022Walls was added to the Friday's lineup against the Blue Jays and will start at third base and bat ninth, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old was originally absent from Friday's starting ninth, but Yandy Diaz was a late scratch due to an illness. Walls is 1-for-22 two walks, two runs, a stolen bases and nine strikeouts in his past seven contests.
May 12 2022Walls went 1-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base in Wednesday's 4-2 extra-inning win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old continues to get regular playing time, primarily at third base, but he hasn't been able to do much with those opportunities. Walls is slashing .189/.310/.297 through 87 plate appearances, and while his five steals on the season are useful, they come with only one homer, three RBI and eight runs.
May 9 2022Walls isn't starting Monday against the Angels, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has gone 0-for-15 with a run, a walk and eight strikeouts over his last four games, and he'll be out of the lineup for the second time in the last three matchups. Yandy Diaz will shift to third base while Brett Phillips enters the lineup in right field.
May 7 2022Walls will sit Saturday against Seattle, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls hits the bench after starting 10 straight games, a stretch in which he hit just .143/.231/.286. Isaac Paredes will take over at the hot corner.
May 1 2022Walls will start at shortstop and bat sixth in Sunday's game against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He'll be filling at shortstop for the first time since April 18 after Wander Franco was a late scratch from the lineup due to right hamstring tightness. Even if Franco's injury results in only a one-game absence, Walls is expected to see his starting opportunities grow over the next week after Ji-Man Choi (elbow) was placed on the injured list Sunday. While Choi is out of commission, Yandy Diaz is expected to see more work at first base, which should open up more reps at the hot corner for Walls.
Apr 30 2022Walls went 0-for-1 with two walks, a stolen base and a run scored Friday against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has started three consecutive games at third base with Ji-Man Choi (elbow) sidelined, which has in turn shifted Yandy Diaz to first base. Walls has only one hit in 10 plate appearances in that span, though he's also earned three free passes. On Friday, Walls led off the second inning with a walk and proceeded to steal second base -- his fourth swipe of the season. Once Choi is able to retake the field, Walls will likely return to a super-utility role along the Rays' infield.
Apr 26 2022Walls is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Mariners, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls had seen an uptick in playing time recently with starts in five of the Rays' previous six games, but he'll likely move into more of a utility role following corner infielder Yandy Diaz's return Sunday from the COVID-19 injured list. With Diaz and Wander Franco typically starting on the left side of the infield when the Rays oppose right-handed pitching, the righty-hitting Walls will likely see most of his opportunities against left-handed pitching. On those occasions, Diaz typically moves across the diamond to replace the lefty-hitting Ji-Man Choi at first base.
Apr 21 2022Walls went 2-for-3 with a stolen base Wednesday against the Cubs. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has earned starts in four of the last five games, and he has delivered multiple hits in each of the last two. After leading off the fourth inning with a base knock, Walls stole second base but was ultimately stranded. Walls has made multiple appearances at second and third base as well as shortstop early this season, and his ability to play across the infield could help him find significant playing time despite not having a regular spot in the lineup.
Apr 17 2022Walls went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and a stolen base Saturday against the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls drew the start at shortstop Saturday, as Wander Franco was in the lineup as the designated hitter. He was hit by a pitch in his opening plate appearance and subsequently swiped second base to record his first steal of the campaign. That was the only good news for Walls in the contest, as he struck out in his remaining three at-bats -- including for the final out of the game.
Apr 14 2022Walls will start at third base and bat ninth in Thursday's game against the Athletics, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will pick up his third start in four games, but he still looks to be a short-side platoon player who plays only occasionally against right-handers. With southpaw Cole Irvin on the mound for Oakland on Thursday, Walls will enter the lineup as an indirect replacement for the lefty-hitting Ji-Man Choi.
Apr 10 2022Walls is not in the lineup Sunday against the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has been out of the lineup for two of the team's first three games of the season. It appears that his primary competition for playing time will come from Yandy Diaz and Harold Ramirez, both of whom are starting Sunday.
Apr 8 2022Walls will be on the bench for Friday's game against the Orioles, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls is a switch hitter who performed nearly identically against righties and lefties in his 54-game debut last year. He'll hit the bench here against lefty John Means, with Yandy Diaz sliding to third base and Harold Ramirez starting at first, though it's too early to say whether that will be the Rays' default plan against every southpaw.
Sep 24 2021The Rays optioned Walls to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls hit .205 with no extra-base hits and two RBI after being called up at the start of September, and now he loses his roster spot as Wander Franco (hamstring) returns from the injured list. Barring other injuries on the big-league roster, it's unlikely Walls gets called up again this year, and a spot on Tampa Bay's ALDS roster seems similarly unrealistic.
Sep 21 2021Walls is not starting Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The infielder singled and scored while starting at shortstop in Monday's win, but he'll retreat back to the bench for Game 2 of the series. Joey Wendle draws the start at shortstop while Yandy Diaz mans the hot corner Tuesday.
Sep 20 2021Walls (illness) will start Monday's game against Toronto, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was scratched Saturday due to illness and didn't play in Sunday's contest, but his illness evidently wasn't a particularly severe one, as he's already set to return to action. He'll bat eighth and play shortstop.
Sep 19 2021Walls (illness) is out of the lineup Sunday against the Tigers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to an illness, and he'll remain on the bench for Sunday's contest. The 25-year-old is apparently dealing with a non-COVID-19 illness and should be considered day-to-day. Joey Wendle will remain at shortstop while Yandy Diaz starts at the hot corner.
Sep 18 2021Walls was scratched from the lineup for Saturday's game against the Tigers due to illness, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls hasn't been placed on the COVID-19 injured list, so there's yet to be any indication that this is anything other than a normal sickness. Joey Wendle will take over at shortstop.
Sep 16 2021Walls isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Tigers, radio broadcaster Steve Carney reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls went 1-for-3 with a run and a strikeout Wednesday but will be out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games. Joey Wendle will shift to shortstop while Yandy Diaz starts at third base.
Sep 14 2021Walls is not starting Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls has gone 2-for-9 with three walks, a run scored and a stolen base while starting the previous three games after being recalled Saturday. Joey Wendle shifts to shortstop Tuesday as Yandy Diaz slots in at the hot corner.
Sep 12 2021Walls, who went 0-for-3 with two walks in an extra-innings loss to the Tigers on Sunday, is 2-for-6 with three base on balls, a stolen base and a run in his first two games since being recalled from Triple-A Durham. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was recalled from the Bulls prior to Saturday's game versus Detroit, a 7-2 win for the Rays in which he went 2-for-3 with a walk, a steal and a run while starting at shortstop for Wander Franco (hamstring). Walls still carries just a .209/.316/.306 slash line in the majors this season, but his diverse production over the small weekend sample offers some hope that he may be starting to get a better handle on big-league arms. He should be set for steady starting opportunities while Franco remains sidelined.
Sep 11 2021Walls was recalled from Triple-A Durham prior to Saturday's game against the White Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Wander Franco (hamstring strain) will likely miss at least a couple weeks, so Walls should play pretty regularly at shortstop in the short term. He is slashing .255/.389/.471 with eight home runs and nine steals in 45 games at Triple-A, but that success has not carried over in the majors, where he is slashing .203/.301/.305 in 147 plate appearances.
Sep 7 2021Walls was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls had been back with the big-league squad since the start of September but went just 2-for-15 at the plate in five games, dropping his season slash line to .203/.301/.305 across 147 plate appearances. He'll head to the minors as the Rays recall reliever Louis Head.
Sep 3 2021Walls is 1-for-6 with two strikeouts in his first two games since being promoted from Triple-A Durham on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls first taste of big-league action came earlier this season, when he posted a .200/.311/.305 slash line with with eight doubles, a home run, 13 RBI and three stolen bases across 38 games. The rookie will apparently have the benefit of further honing his craft throughout September, so he should have a solid amount of opportunities to overcome the slow start to his latest big-league stint.
Sep 1 2021Walls was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls got off to a slow start after the All-Star break and went 1-for-15 with a double, an RBI and two walks across six games. However, he fared slightly better since returning to the minors in late July, as he slashed .224/.355/.469 with six homers, 26 runs, 15 RBI and six stolen bases across 29 games. Walls will slot into a backup role at shortstop behind Wander Franco.
Jul 24 2021The Rays optioned Walls to Triple-A Durham on Saturday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The rookie has contributed little offensively of late, going 1-for-15 with a pair of walks since the All-Star break. With a bullpen game Saturday, Tampa Bay needed additional pitching depth, getting it by recalling Sean Poppen in a corresponding move. It's unclear whether Walls will be recalled following Saturday's contest, or if he'll remain in Durham for the time being to get more consistent playing time and continue developing.
Jul 21 2021Walls is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The promotions of prospects Wander Franco and Vidal Brujan have most negatively affected Joey Wendle and Walls, the latter of whom will sit for the second time in four games. Walls' excellent glove at shortstop should continue to lock him into at least a part-time job, but he'll need to show improvement at the dish in order to see his role grow. Over his last five starts, Walls has gone 1-for-15 with five strikeouts, dropping his batting average to .216.
Jul 18 2021Walls is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against Atlanta, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With six starts in the Rays' last seven games, Walls looks to have an edge on the top job at shortstop, but Tampa Bay's ample depth in the infield means that the rookie will likely sit at least once a week. Wander Franco will fill in at shortstop Sunday in place of Walls, who has opened his big-league career with a .231/.333/.356 slash line, one home run and three stolen bases through his first 121 plate appearances.
Jul 10 2021Walls went 2-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored and two RBI in Friday's 7-1 win over the Blue Jays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The rookie shortstop ripped two-baggers against Alek Manoah in the fourth inning and Jacob Barnes in the seventh, with the latter driving in the final runs of the night for the Rays. Walls has started four of the last five games despite the presence of Wander Franco, going 5-for-14 with three doubles and five RBI, and his glove could ensure him steady playing time in the second half even if he never emerges as a consistent threat at the plate.
Jul 3 2021Walls (wrist) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls had been dealing with right wrist tendinitis since June 24, but he'll be back in action after spending the minimum of 10 days on the injured list. While the 24-year-old doesn't have as clear of a path toward playing time after Wander Franco was called up last week, Franco is able to play at multiple positions, so Walls could still see his fair share of time at shortstop. Across 18 games in June prior to his injury, he slashed .232/.338/.357 with a home run, four doubles, five RBI, four runs and three stolen bases.
Jun 24 2021The Rays placed Walls on the 10-day injured list Thursday with right wrist tendinitis, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was scratched prior to Wednesday's 8-2 win over the Red Sox with the wrist issue, which was believed to be only a minor concern before he surprisingly landed on the IL a day later. His move off the active roster at least temporarily clears up the logjam in the Rays infield that was created when top prospect Wander Franco was promoted to the big leagues earlier this week. While Walls is on the shelf, Franco should see most of the starts at shortstop, freeing up second base and third base for Brandon Lowe and Joey Wendle, respectively.
Jun 23 2021Walls was scratched from Wednesday's lineup against the Red Sox with right wrist soreness, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls was penciled in to start and shortstop and bat eighth, but he's now absent from the starting nine due to the wrist issue. He's available off the bench, so the injury appears to be a minor concern. Brett Phillips entered the lineup in his place.
Jun 20 2021Walls is out of the lineup Sunday against the Mariners, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls started the past three games and will receive the day off in the series finale. Joey Wendle will shift to shortstop while Yandy Diaz starts at the hot corner.
Jun 16 2021Walls isn't starting Wednesday's game against the White Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls went 1-for-5 with a double, a run, two walks and a strikeout across the last two games. Joey Wendle will shift to shortstop and bat sixth.
Jun 13 2021Walls went 3-for-4 with two RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in Sunday's 7-1 win over Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All three of the shortstop's hits were singles. Walls also stole second and scored on a Yandy Diaz single in the third inning, then followed up with a two-RBI single in the fourth. Through 71 plate appearances, Walls is slashing .250/.366/.367 with a home run, seven RBI, eight runs scored and three steals. The rookie is more known for speed than power, but his fantasy impact is limited since he frequently hits in the bottom half of the order.
Jun 9 2021Walls went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, a stolen base and a walk in Wednesday's extra-innings loss to Washington. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The shortstop enjoyed a memorable moment in the seventh inning, going deep to right field for his first major-league homer. Walls also contributed a stolen base following a fourth-inning walk. Speed is more of his game -- Walls has stolen as many as 31 bases in a single minor-league season but has topped out at 10 homers -- so fantasy managers looking to roster him should frame their expectations accordingly.
Jun 6 2021Walls went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI in Sunday's win over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls have been enduring some expected struggles in his first taste of big-league pitching, but he seems to be trending in the right direction of late and has recorded at least one knock in four of his last five games. Plus, this was his first multi-hit game since his big-league debut May 22. The shortstop is hitting .262 with a .737 OPS on the season.
Jun 5 2021Walls, who went 1-for-3 with a walk in a loss to the Rangers on Friday, is hitting just .158 (3-for-19) with an RBI, five walks, seven strikeouts, a steal and two runs over his last eight games overall. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The rookie has also struck out at a 29.7 percent clip during that sample, as he begins to encounter some of the expected struggles against big-league arms one would expect in even an elite prospect's first foray versus big-league arms. Nevertheless, Walls' outlook certainly remain bright, and his impressive .357 on-base percentage is largely a byproduct of an encouraging level of patience at the plate that's helped generate a 19.0 percent walk rate.
Jun 1 2021Walls is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Joey Wendle steps in at shortstop for Walls, who finds himself on the bench for the second time in four games. The rookie has gotten off to a modest start to his big-league career, batting .200 with two extra-base hits (both doubles), five runs and two RBI through his first nine games.
May 29 2021Walls isn't starting Saturday's game against the Phillies, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will be out of the lineup for the second time in the last three games after he went 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk Thursday. Joey Wendle will shift to shortstop while Yandy Diaz starts at third base.
May 26 2021Walls is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Royals, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will head to the bench for the first time since being promoted from Triple-A Durham on Saturday. Joey Wendle will check in at shortstop in place of Walls, who has gotten off to a 4-for-14 start to his big-league career.
May 25 2021Walls drove in a run with a bases-loaded walk, drew another base on balls and scored two runs over six plate appearances in an extra-innings win over the Blue Jays on Monday. He's reached safely in all three of his games since being summoned from Triple-A Durham on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The rookie also struck out three times Monday, a reminder that he still has a ways to go before mastering big-league arms. Nevertheless, there's no question he's impressed early, lacing a pair of doubles and scoring three runs in the course of drawing three straight starts at shortstop.
May 23 2021Walls will start at shortstop and bat eighth Sunday against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls will be awarded a second straight start after he went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and a run scored in his MLB debut Saturday in the Rays' 3-1 win. With Willy Adames now in Milwaukee, the right-handed Walls should at least serve as a short-side platoon option at shortstop, and it wouldn't be surprising if the Rays gave him a look as a full-time player.
May 22 2021Walls was called up as expected Saturday and will bat eighth and play shortstop in his major-league debut against the Blue Jays, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls isn't necessarily the Rays' shortstop of the future, as that would appear to be Wander Franco, but he's the one who will get the first crack at the job after the Rays dealt Willy Adames to the Brewers on Friday. Walls is a fine prospect in his own right, albeit not at Franco's level, with the potential to make a good amount of contact while playing strong defense. He's hit .279/.369/.417 with a strong combination of a 12.5 percent walk rate and 18.8 percent walk rate in 276 career minor-league games.
May 21 2021Walls will be called up from Triple-A Durham on Saturday after the Rays traded Willy Adames to the Brewers, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old should slot in as Tampa Bay's starting shortstop following the departure of Adames on Friday. Walls was off to a strong start at Triple-A this season with a .327/.468/.490 slash line in 14 games, but he may not have much of a window to secure the starting role with top prospect Wander Franco still waiting for his opportunity.
Mar 16 2021The Rays optioned Walls to their minor-league camp Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The switch-hitting infielder will likely report to the Rays' affiliate in Durham when the Triple-A East season gets underway in May. In his last minor-league season, 2019, Walls split time between High-A Charlotte and Double-A Montgomery, slashing .270/.343/.452 with 10 home runs and 28 stolen bases.
Nov 20 2020Walls' contract was purchased by the Rays on Friday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Walls is a classic Rays player, as he is known for his control of the strike zone and ability to play multiple infield positions. He has not played above Double-A, but after a summer at the alternate training site, he is presumably poised to make his MLB debut sometime in 2021.