The Marlins announced a series of roster moves Friday, selecting the contract of veteran outfielder Billy Hamilton from Triple-A Jacksonville and designating infielder Erik Gonzalez for assignment to clear roster space. Miami also reinstated Joey Wendle from the 10-day injured list and placed slugger Jorge Soler on the 10-day IL with what they’re terming “bilateral pelvis inflammation.”
Miami just signed Hamilton to a minor league contract a couple weeks ago. He made just one appearance with Jacksonville before being called up, and he’s now in position to log his first MLB action of the year. Hamilton adds a speed and defense element to an outfield that has otherwise been lacking a prototypical center fielder. Miami has relied on Jesus Sanchez, who’s probably better suited for a corner outfield role, in center field of late.
Sanchez, of course, will remain the primary center fielder even with Hamilton’s arrival. The fleet-footed veteran hasn’t hit well, putting up only a .213/.269/.299 line since the start of the 2019 campaign. Even with excellent defense and baserunning, that offensive output has been too light to merit regular playing time at the big league level. He’ll add an interesting complementary skill set to the bench for skipper Don Mattingly.
Gonzalez has had a pair of separate stints in the majors this season, the first coming as a COVID replacement. The former Pirate has suited up in 16 MLB games with Miami, playing all four infield spots but not offering much at the plate. Signed to a minor league deal over the winter, Gonzalez has had a nice season in Jacksonville. Through 186 plate appearances with the Jumbo Shrimp, he’s hit .339/.376/.431 and swiped seven bases.
With Wendle back and Soler landing on the IL, Miami will turn the final bench spot over to an outfielder at the expense of some infield depth. Gonzalez, who is out of minor league option years, had to be designated for assignment to be taken off the active roster. Miami will have a week to trade him or, more likely, run him through waivers. If he passes through the wire unclaimed, he’d have the right to elect free agency as a player with over three years of big league service time.
See, nobody cares.
Go Billy Go!
He’ll be DFAed in about 12hrs
Yeah, “go” alright. And don’t return.
Excellent move by the high flying Marlins. This should put them over the top.
Soler’s injury …. ewww.
“Bilateral pelvis inflammation” is what they’re calling it these days huh? Back in my day, they called it the clap. Someone get Soler some penicillin.
Common side effect from a unilateral pelvis inflammation
Probably a showcase for Billy and flip to a contender for a prospect at the deadline. Playoff clubs usually can use a 80 grade speed guy who can field his position.
Are you kidding? Hamilton is the definition of a player no one wants; he’ll be available for free in a month. How the heck are you gonna flip a guy no one wants? Teams don’t want him for free but they’ll give up prospects to get him? How does that work? How are you gonna showcase a guy who has already established that he’s terrible? No, teams do NOT need a player who’s only talent us speed. It’s why he never lasts on a team and is always available. I’m sorry, but your take is beyond delusional. There’s always someone with the ridiculousness every time his name comes up. He’s bad. He’ll be released soon to much local cheering.
So, we outright Willians Astudillo for his opposite player…other than the fact that neither has plate-discipline.
Astudillo…short and fat guy that can’t run and can’t field that swings at everything and doesn’t miss.
Hamilton…tall skinny guy that can run really fast and can field really well that swings at pitches and misses often.
There is a reason this guy never lasts more than two seconds on every team he’s on.
This guy should be bunting 3 times a game and stealing bases everytime he is on. If he doesn’t then make him do 40 push ups.This guys pride and stubborness has cost him millions. With his speed and defense. No reason he could be hitting 250 and 80 steals a year
Seems like Jonathan Villar would have been a better pickup. Same general profile, but has actually had productive seasons.