Rays get Velazquez, Williams from D-backs

A pair of well-regarded D-backs prospects are migrating from cactus country to grapefruit territory.

The Rays on Friday night acquired shortstop Andrew Velazquez and outfielder Justin Williams from the D-backs for veteran right-hander Jeremy Hellickson. Velazquez and Williams were ranked by MLB.com as the 12th- and 14th-ranked prospects in the Arizona system.

"As we thank Jeremy for his contributions to the Rays organization and wish him great success in Arizona, we are pleased to receive two talented young prospects in return," Rays president of baseball operations Matt Silverman said in a statement. "They have the potential to become impact players at the Major League level, and we are excited to add them to our player development pipeline."

Velazquez made headlines this summer for reaching base in 74 consecutive games, eclipsing the Minor League record of 71 shared by Kevin Youkilis and Kevin Millar. He spent the regular season at Class A South Bend, where he batted .290/.367/.428 with nine homers and 56 RBIs in 134 games. The 2012 seventh-round pick led the Midwest League with 50 stolen bases, 90 runs scored and 15 triples while ranking second with 158 hits and 233 total bases.

Bittersweet leaving @Dbacks .. Met so many great coaches and teammates the past few years ! Super excited to be a part of the Rays org. !!

- Andrew Velazquez ⚾ (@squezhao) November 15, 2014

Looking forward to a new experience �� #RaysBaseball

- Andrew Velazquez ⚾ (@squezhao) November 15, 2014

The 20-year-old New York native appeared in nine California League playoff games with Class A Advanced Visalia and posted a .276/.323/.448 slash line with four RBIs.

Williams won the Pioneer League batting title with Rookie-level Missoula, hitting .386 in 46 games while ranking third with a .433 on-base percentage. He also played played 28 games for South Bend, posting a collective .351/.403/.467 slash line with four homers and 46 RBIs.

Both Velazquez and Williams were named D-backs Organization All-Stars. Velazquez also was recognized as the Midwest League Prospect of the Year.

Hellickson, 27, went 1-5 with a 4.52 ERA over 63 2/3 innings in 2014, ending with 54 strikeouts and 21 walks. The 2011 American League Rookie of the Year was limited to 13 starts due to elbow problems after struggling in 2013.