Braves Select Luke Williams

The Braves announced a quartet of roster moves today, including the news that Michael Harris II has been placed on the team’s paternity list.  Utilityman Luke Williams‘ contract has been selected from Triple-A Gwinnett to take Harris’ spot on the active roster, and Atlanta moved left-hander Danny Young from the 15-day IL to the 60-day injured list to create a 40-man roster spot.  Right-hander Daysbel Hernandez was also reinstated from the 15-day IL and optioned to Gwinnett.

Williams has played for five different teams over his 221 career big league games, but he has spent the better part of the last three seasons (and his last 80 MLB games) with Atlanta.  Though he has hit only .151/.213/.209 over 95 plate appearances in those 80 games, Williams has been utilized in a super-sub role, seeing time at all four infield positions, in left field, and even a few pitching appearances in a mop-up capacity.

Harris figures to be back in a few days after celebrating the new arrival to his family, so Williams will likely find himself designated for assignment in short order.  Williams is out of minor league options, which is why the Braves had to outright Williams a few times last season in order to send him back to Triple-A.

Young had Tommy John surgery last May, and subsequently isn’t expected to be available to pitch until at least July.  The Mets non-tendered Young in November and the Braves signed the southpaw to a split contract, with an eye towards eventually moving him to the 60-day IL once a 40-man spot needed to be opened.  Hernandez began the season on Atlanta’s 15-day IL due to a sebaceous cyst in his throwing shoulder, and he’ll now continue to work at Triple-A until a need develops in the big league bullpen.