Miami Marlins: RHP Taylor Williams Claimed off Waivers from San Diego

While on a scheduled off-day Monday, the Miami Marlins made a roster move to add to the bullpen. No, it wasn’t the call-up of a top prospect, but an MLB veteran who will help the Marlins bullpen going forward.

Miami Marlins claim RHP Taylor Williams off waivers from San Diego

The Marlins claimed right-handed pitcher Taylor Williams off waivers from the San Diego Padres on Monday, designating infielder Deven Marrero for assignment in the corresponding move.

As mentioned previously, Williams is a five-year MLB veteran who has spent time with the Brewers, Mariners, and most-recently Padres since making his major league debut back in 2017 with Milwaukee.

The Brewers originally drafted Williams in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Kent State where he was coming off a dominant 2013 season posting a 10-1 record with a 2.47 ERA and 110:10 K:BB across 15 starts.

Reaching the big leagues in 2017, Williams spent three seasons with the Brewers where he posted a combined 5.23 ERA before being selected off waivers by Seattle in February of 2020. After appearing in 14 games with the Mariners last season collecting six saves with Seattle, the right-hander was traded to San Diego at last seasons trade deadline.

Williams would only make one appearance with the Padres last season, and has split time between Triple-A and the big leagues with San Diego this season (6.75 ERA in 13.1 IP – Triple-A, 1.69 ERA in 5.1 IP – MLB), while also missing a majority of the season with an injury.

Across five major league seasons, the 30-year-old has posted a combined 5.17 ERA across 92.1 career innings, all of which came in a relief role. Recently returned from the IL, Williams is out of minor league options so the Marlins will have to keep the right-hander in the major leagues, or attempt to pass him through waivers. However, he is controllable for multiple seasons as well.

While Williams have closed games with Seattle in the past, the 30-year old likely projects to pitch in a middle-relief role with the Marlins going forward.