Tampa Bay Rays’ Defense SHIFTS as Taylor Walls Injured, Ben Williamson Steps Up

Tampa Bay Rays lose key infielder Taylor Walls to a right oblique injury, thrusting Ben Williamson and Carson Williams into the spotlight as Opening Day approaches.

Can Williamson seize this opportunity and reshape the Rays’ infield plans, or will Carson Williams make a surprising leap despite recent concerns about his strikeout rate?

Kevin and Ulises break down the ripple effects of Walls’ absence, analyze management’s options, and ponder the long-term future for Walls in Tampa Bay.

The conversation also spotlights the Rays’ new partnership with Webull for jersey patch sponsorship—a move that could boost payroll or stadium funding, but leaves fans speculating about the deal’s true value.

Plus, Rays legend Kevin Kiermaier lands an MLB Network gig, bringing his defensive expertise and charisma to a national audience. Is this a new era for the Rays both on and off the field?

00:00 Taylor Walls Injury & Infield Options

10:56 Rays Jersey Patch Sponsor

22:21 Kevin Kiermaier Joins MLB Network

Follow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_

Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlises

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-rays/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonrays.supercast.com

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

PlayStation

This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN).

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.