Taylor Walls Records First MLB Home Run with the Rays

TAMPA BAY FL – Taylor Walls of the Tampa Bay Rays had a memorable evening on Wednesday connecting on his first Major League home run versus Washington Nationals right-hander Kyle Finnegan. The solo blast to right-center for Walls came in the bottom of the 7th inning that put the Rays down by just one run at 5-4. Tampa would ultimately lose the ballgame 9-7, but that does not take away from Walls enjoying an incredible career moment.

The 24-year-old has received consistent opportunities in the middle infield and typically hits out of the seventh and eighth spots in the lineup. He has racked up 14 starts in 17 appearances so far with the Rays. In 49 career at-bats since being called up in late May, he has slashed for a .245 average with a homer, five RBI, sevens runs, and two stolen bases. The longball indicates that he is beginning to find his identity at the next level. Over the last seven games, Walls is batting .292 with three RBI, two runs, five walks, the home run, and an excellent .414 OBP. In addition, the plate discipline has been drastically better, and he has continued to see more pitches at the dish that has resulted in him getting good pitches to hit.

Walls has also been productive in the field, committing just one lone error thus far. It is always a learning process for young prospects who receive the call-up to the big leagues, especially before the age of 25. Walls has shown a lot of promise over the last week and should continue to only get better from here. It is unknown what his permanent role will be for Kevin Cash and his club, but the sky is the limit for this young prospect, and the home run should be one of many.