Welcome to the big leagues, Willy.

The Tampa Bay Rays announced Tuesday that their second best prospect, shortstop Willy Adames, has been promoted to the big leagues — at least for now — and will start tonight against Chris Sale and the Boston Red Sox, hitting fifth. In doing so, INF Joey Wendle has been placed on paternity leave, which can last three days.

Rays 5/22/18 starting lineup, with Willy Adames hitting fifth. (Photo Credit: Marc Topkin/Tampa Bay Times)

Adames, 22, is slashing .311 BA/.387 OBP/.466 SLG/.853 OPS with four home runs and 25 RBI over 40 games this season with Triple-A Durham. He was ranked as Baseball America’s 19th best prospect entering the season, and the second best prospect in the Rays system (behind Brent Honeywell). He was also ranked as baseball’s 20th overall prospect earlier this year by Keith Law (ESPN).

The Rays are currently without SS Adeiny Hechavarria, who was placed on the disabled list with a right hamstring strain, although Adames is likely to head back to Durham when Wendle returns.

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