Alika

Williams

Williams is a fine defender at shortstop, but the bat just isn’t there. He was at .207/.242/.299 in 96 PA this year after coming in at .198/.270/.248 in 112 PA last season.

Williams is back in the big leagues ahead of Saturday’s game against the Mariners as extra bench depth for the Pirates with veteran Andrew McCutchen landing on the injured list with knee inflammation. The 25-year-old infielder has batted .202/.261/.525 with zero homers and one steal in 181 plate appearances in the majors over the last two years.

Williams was up briefly for the Pirates in the wake of Nick Gonzales hitting the injured list. The 25-year-old has been shipped out with veteran Isiah Kiner-Falefa (knee) returning from the injured list to make his Pittsburgh debut.

Williams gets the call after the Pirates placed Nick Gonzales on the injured list with left groin discomfort. While with the team, Williams will serve as a utility role with the ability to play all over the infield.

Rather than carry the light-hitting Williams, the Pirates will go with Jared Triolo as their lone infield backup for now. The alternative was probably sending Jack Suwinski back to Triple-A.

The Pirates might send down Williams once the brief rehab assignment ends. He was hitting just .210/.234/.290 in 68 plate appearances before landing on the IL.

Williams will miss at least a week-plus while he recovers. The infielder’s spot on the active roster is taken by Quinn Priester, with Priester up to start Sunday’s game against the Blue Jays.

Cruz will get a break from the lineup for the first time in seven games. The talented shortstop will receive his breather with Alika Williams getting the start at shortstop against Chris Sale and Atlanta.

Williams gets the call back to Pittsburgh with Ke’Bryan Hayes landing on the injured list with back inflammation. The 25-year-old infielder doesn’t offer any appeal for fantasy managers moving forward as he holds a .549 OPS with zero homers and one steal in 61 contests in the majors over the last two seasons.

The 25-year-old infielder didn’t do much in 51 plate appearances with the big league club, slashing .239/.271/.348 with zero homers, two RBI and a 9/2 K/B ratio. He’ll continue to function as extra infield depth for the Pirates at the Triple-a level.