Tampa Bay Rays promote Willy Adames
The Rays have recalled their top prospect and have placed Joey Wendle on paternity leave
The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly promoting their top prospect, Willy Adames, to the majors league ahead of tonight’s game against the Boston Red Sox according to Enrique Rojas of ESPN.
The Rays acquired Adames from the Detroit Tigers at the 2014 trade deadline as part of a package they received for David Price. At the time of the deal, Adames was an unknown prospect in the Tigers system, but he quickly made his name known and surged to the top of the prospect rankings.
Adames, 22, is currently hitting .311/.387/.466 with 4 HR over 40 games in Triple-A Durham, starting at short stop most every night for the Bulls. He was ranked as Baseball America’s 19th best prospect entering the season and the 2nd best prospect in the Rays system behind Brent Honeywell.
Adames has been considered a premier defensive shortstop since the Rays acquired him for his projectable body and mature approach in the David Price trade with the Tigers in 2014. His arm strength has increased over the past two seasons, and he displays excellent first-step quickness, plus range and soft hands. He’s an ideal No. 2 hitter, and his bat has developed with his loose and easy swing. He narrowed his stance in 2017 to stay short to the ball and prevent over-striding. He has a solid feel for the strike zone, sees the ball early, and drives pitches consistently with some pop at the plate. Adames is an average runner with good instincts.
In a corresponding roster move, the Rays have placed second baseman, Joey Wendle on paternity leave.