The Phillies have selected the contract of infielder Luke Williams from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Philadelphia also reinstated right-handers Chase Anderson and David Hale from the COVID-19 injured list, optioned lefty Cristopher Sanchez and placed reliever Brandon Kintzler on the 10-day IL (retroactive to Monday) with a neck strain.
This is the first major league opportunity for Williams, a 24-year-old who has been with the Phillies since they drafted him in Round 3 in 2015. Williams now ranks as the Phillies’ 29th-best prospect at MLB.com, which compliments his high-end speed, defensive versatility and improving offense. Indeed, in his Triple-A debut this year, Williams has slashed a marvelous .352/.439/.465 with three stolen bases in 82 plate appearances.
Kintzler, meanwhile, has gotten off to a rough start this year after joining the Phillies on a minor league contract in the winter. The 36-year-old previously established himself as a competent reliever with multiple teams, but he has only managed an 8.50 ERA in 18 innings this season. To Kintzler’s credit, he has continued to induce groundballs and limit walks at above-average clips, and his 3.47 SIERA suggests better days may be ahead.
DarkSide830
great to see him up, he’s been on a tear since late 2019.
Dorothy_Mantooth
One of the few prospects in all of MLB who seems to have traded in his launch angle HR swing, for one that produces more ground balls and base hits…good for him! Hope he continues to get on base in the majors as well. If he plays 2nd base, they don’t need much power out him. Just set the table and be prepared to score runs.
DarkSide830
the irony!
htbnm57
Hopefully the Phillies don’t turn him into the next Kingery.
rpf515
he was great in the Olympic Qualifiers!
Egon Spengler Returns
I wonder if he’s related to Ted Williams or Luke Bryan?
VonPurpleHayes
Hopefully Ted Williams and not Nick Williams.
positively_broad_st
Luke Williams is the name of one of The Bushwhackers…
hogansgoat
Hey Dorothy, what about Segura?
DarkSide830
nobody suggested he was starting right now. 2B is where he’s played a lot lately.
13Morgs13
The Phillies love UTL players. They bring them up often
VonPurpleHayes
First major league hit was a bunt and he ended up on 3rd base! Great to see some speed and small ball. Loved this kid in spring training, and he had an exciting debut tonight.
DarkSide830
snap, i should’ve kept the game on.
VonPurpleHayes
Got ugly in the 8th.
DarkSide830
none of that garbage would have happened if Nola had even a half-decent game.
VonPurpleHayes
You’re not wrong. As usual plenty to blame. Bad defense. Not hitting enough with RISP. Bad start from Nola. Terrible pen.
kje76
Zolecki missed one transaction – Nick Maton was optioned to Lehigh Valley. 3 in, 3 out.
Ron Tingley
His minors numbers are uninspiring. Sounds like he’s got a little Lenny Dykstra in him.
Bill Kane
I think that Kintzler got the neck strain watching ball get hit all over the park. I hope Williams bring some energy to the team. Hoskins hot streak appears to be over since he stranded a ton of runners last night.
UWPSUPERFAN77
Good Luck MR. Anderson! You are a warrior and Good man! Hope you finish strong!
Blackjackscout
Luke Williams is the man! I hope the kid has a great career.