The Phillies announced this afternoon that they have appointed a public utility Luke Williams for assignment. This step opens up a spot on the roster of 40 for Nick Castellanoswhose five-year contract was formalized.
Philadelphia selected Williams in the third round of the 2015 draft. The right-handed forward has methodically climbed the minor league ladder, never showing overwhelming results but increasing contact throughout his professional career. He opened the 2021 campaign with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and received his first major league call-up in June.
Williams played 108 games last year in MLB, hitting .245/.315/.316 with one home run and a couple of stolen bases. He made contact on 85% of his swings — about nine points above the league average — but only managed five off-base hits. It was a similar story in Lehigh Valley, where he hit .270/.329/.341 with no homer in 143 bowls.
To his credit, Williams donned all the diamonds for manager Joe Girardi. Last year, he started games at each of second base, third base, shortstop, left field, and center field. Baseball America named him the 17th prospect in the Phillies system this offseason, writing that his combination of defensive ability and batsmanship skills could make him a worthy option off the bench, even if his lack of strength would likely keep him from showing himself. . usual.
The Phils will have a week to trade Williams or put him on waiver. The 25-year-old still has all three years left in the minor leagues, so he will be a flexible multi-position player for any acquiring team.