The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed Luke Williams off waivers from the Miami Marlins, giving them 35 players on their 40-man roster.
That includes the likes of Walker Buehler, Daniel Hudson and others who finished the 2022 regular season on the 60-day injured list. Also still part of the Dodgers 40-man roster are Danny Duffy and Justin Turner, as the team has not yet formally decided on their respective contract options.
The Dodgers have already declined respective team options on Hanser Alberto and Jimmy Nelson for 2023.
Meanwhile, Williams spent this year with the San Francisco Giants and Marlins, batting a combined .236/.287/.315 with five doubles, one triple, one home run and nine RBI. Williams appeared in just eight games for the Giants prior to getting designated for assignment on May 21.
Williams then played in 71 games for the Marlins and remained up with the team until the final week of the regular season.
A former third-round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies, the 26-year-old has played first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field and right field during his Major League career thus far.
Including time with the Phillies in 2021, Williams has hit a career .240/.299/.316 with nine doubles, two home runs, 12 RBI and a 72 wRC+ over 137 games.
Over parts of seven Minor League seasons, he has hit a combined .241/.315/.338 with 24 home runs and 174 RBI across 486 games.
Williams was born in Illinois but attended Dana Hills High School in Dana Point, California.
How Luke Williams fits with Dodgers
Williams figures to be organizational depth for the Dodgers as he still has two Minor League option years remaining. He currently is playing for the Estrellas Orientales of the Dominican Winter League.
Williams conceivably could fill a utility role similar to that of Chris Taylor, who may be needed more at shortstop next season if Trea Turner isn’t re-signed.
The waiver claim is the Dodgers’ first roster move of the offseason.
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