Mac

Williamson

Williamson says his life “hasn’t been the same” since the injury. The 30-year-old suffered a concussion in 2018 when he tripped over a bullpen mound at Oracle Park and hit his head on the wall. He claims that he’s suffered through continued symptoms, including “nausea, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and other issues.” Williamson last played in the majors in 2019 and played in the Korea Baseball Organization this past season. The Giants moved their bullpens beyond the center field fence this year, an acknowledgement of the danger involved. It’s unclear where things will go from here, but the team says Williamson’s claims would be better resolved through MLB’s grievance system and worker’s compensation program.

Williamson, 29, was in Nats’ camp this spring after an eventful 2019 which included stints in the majors, minors, and even the Korea Baseball Organization. Chances are he would have begun the season with the Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate, but there isn’t expected to be a minor league season this year and the Nationals have decided to simply let him go.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale says that Williamson will earn $700,000 if in the majors. The 29-year-old bounced around between the majors, minors and Korea last season. He’ll likely begin 2020 at Triple-A Fresno.

Williamson was recently outrighted by the Mariners off the 40-man roster and has been playing with Triple-A Tacoma since. Seattle still has his rights, so he’ll need to be released in order to sign with the Korean club. Williamson also has spent time with the Giants in his career, but while he’s had success in the minors, he hasn’t hit at the MLB level and was hitting just .156/.250/.258 before being waived. Assuming he is headed to the KBO, he’ll have a chance to show off his power while getting a chance to play on a more regular basis.

Williamson was designated for assignment on Tuesday and passed through waivers unclaimed. The 29-year-old outfielder has batted just .156/.250/.258 in 40 games this season between San Francisco and Seattle.

Williamson gets removed from the 40-man roster to make room for Kristopher Negron, who is being recalled from Tacoma in a corresponding move. In his 40 MLB games this year -- 25 with Seattle, 15 with the Giants -- he’s hit just .156/.250/.258 with 4 homers. He’ll likely report back to Tacoma to serve as organizational depth.

Williamson swatted a two-run homer off Orioles reliever Matt Wotherspoon to increase the Mariners lead to 11 runs in the fourth inning. He also picked up an RBI when he was hit by a pitch in the third inning. The 28-year-old outfielder missed most of last season due to a concussion and has made an impact in limited opportunities in Seattle, hitting four homers and swiping two bases in just 119 plate appearances.

Ouch. Haniger suffered the injury when he fouled a ball off himself Thursday. It’s unclear how long his stay on the IL might be. Mac Williamson could see regular starts with Haniger out.

He stayed in briefly after fouling a ball off himself in the sixth, but gave way to pinch-hitter Mac Williamson the following inning. Haniger went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts prior to exiting. Mallex Smith, who started the game in left, spelled Haniger in center field.

Hitting Triple-A pitching hasn’t been an issue for Williamson, and he hit tonight’s bomb off a guy (Brady Rodgers) who will likely be back in Triple-A tomorrow. It was Williamson’s 15th major league homer in 358 at-bats and second in 52 at-bats this season. He’ll likely get limited playing time for Seattle until trades or injuries open up more at-bats.