ATLANTA (AP) — Billy Hamilton seems like Christmas got here early.
After being let go by certainly one of baseball’s worst groups, Hamilton joined the first-place Atlanta Braves on Tuesday to assist with their push for the playoffs.
”It is an important feeling,” Hamilton stated within the clubhouse at SunTrust Park earlier than the opener of a three-game collection in opposition to the Miami Marlins. ”I had chills happening my physique once they known as me the opposite morning and advised me I had been claimed by the Braves.”
Hamilton was designated for task by the Kansas Metropolis Royals on Friday after a dismal season for each him and the rebuilding workforce. He was hitting .211 with no homers and 12 RBIs.
The Braves claimed Hamilton off waivers to bolster their injury-plagued roster, which is lacking outfielders Nick Markakis, Ender Inciarte and Austin Riley, together with shortstop Dansby Swanson. All are on the 10-day injured listing, and solely Riley appears near getting again on the sector.
For now, Hamilton will play a task off the bench, serving as a late-inning defensive alternative and pinch-runner. He had 18 stolen bases for the Royals.
Hamilton will take no matter enjoying time he can get.
”It is like Christmas once more,” he stated with a smile. ”It is wonderful to return right here and be a part of this profitable group.”
Hamilton spent six seasons in Cincinnati, the place he was by no means a lot of a hitter however earned vital enjoying time along with his pace and defensive prowess. He was a five-time finalist for the Gold Glove and had 4 straight seasons with greater than 50 stolen bases.
”You are speaking a couple of man with pace and a defender who can switch-hit,” Braves supervisor Brian Snitker stated. ”I believe he’ll be a superb addition, particularly late within the sport if you begin shifting guys round to try to defend.”
The Braves made it clear that Hamilton will not leap right into a beginning position. He’s merely somebody who can fill within the gaps whereas the workforce tries to work across the rash of accidents in its bid for a second straight NL East title.
”We talked to Billy about it after we signed him,” Snitker stated. ”He is excited to be in a pennant race. He’ll do no matter he can to assist.”
The 28-year-old Hamilton is raring to jump-start his profession after flopping in Kansas Metropolis. He’s making $4.25 million this 12 months and has a $7.5 million mutual possibility for subsequent season that features a $1 million buyout.
”My hitting is the place I wish to get higher, however that takes somewhat time. I will have the offseason for that.” he stated. ”I wish to do no matter I can to assist this workforce win. No matter job they want me to do, I will do it. If I’ve to take a seat out a number of video games after which play protection, I will do it.”
Hamilton stated his quick objective is to indicate sufficient worth that he’s included on the Braves’ postseason roster.
”It isn’t a on condition that I will probably be on the playoff roster,” he stated. ”My job is to return right here and do what I can to be on that playoff roster.”