Rays’ Taylor Walls questionable for opening day after hip surgery

ST. PETERSBURG — The Tampa Bay Rays face uncertainties with their infield for the upcoming season as they wait for updates on the availability of All-Star shortstop Wander Franco. Adding to their concerns, versatile infielder Taylor Walls recently underwent right hip surgery, leaving his status for opening day uncertain. This setback may require the Rays to acquire a new infielder during the winter.

Walls underwent the surgery to address discomfort from an impingement and repair a labral tear. The procedure was conducted by Dr. J.W. Thomas Byrd at the Nashville Hip Institute on Friday. The Rays expect Walls to resume baseball activities in February, but his readiness for opening day will be assessed during the rehab process.

Rays manager Kevin Cash remains optimistic about Walls’ potential return. He stated, “If he’s running before he comes into spring training, that would be a very good sign. But I think we’ll know more in a month.”

However, the potential absence of Walls leaves the Rays short on shortstops for the offseason. Franco has been sidelined since August 12 due to allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an underage individual. Currently on indefinite administrative leave, Franco is being investigated by MLB and the justice department in the Dominican Republic. While there have been no updates on the investigations, it is plausible that Franco may face a suspension under the joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy of MLB and the players’ union.

The Rays’ lack of depth at shortstop was evident in August when both Franco and Walls were unavailable. Osleives Basabe and Vidal Brujan were brought up to fill the gap, with Isaac Paredes and Curtis Mead also attempting to play the position. Unfortunately, Walls’ injuries have been a recurring issue throughout the season, limiting him to 99 games.

Despite the promising minor league shortstop Carson Williams, who ranks second in the Rays’ system, he is not considered a suitable replacement at this time. The free-agent market for shortstops is relatively weak, with Paul DeJong and Amed Rosario leading the shortlist.

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