Nick Williams belongs: he should stay
It’s no easy task when your first big league at-bat is against Jacob deGrom, but after striking out looking in his first plate appearance, Williams figured out the Mets starter with a line out and, his first major league knock, a liner up the middle.
Williams reached base three times in his second game by way of a hit batsman, walk and another single. Williams’ walk was a tough eight pitch at-bat off Mets’ starter Zack Wheeler that helped lead to two-run fourth inning on Saturday. On Sunday, the left-hander posted his first career muti-hit game, with one of his singles leaving his bat at 108.7 MPH. We also saw the outfielder’s wheels when he scored from first base without a throw on a Maikel Franco double to left center. And finally on Monday, Williams stroked a liner to left-center, then turned on the speed for a well-earned double.
At the time of his call-up, MLB.com Phillies reporter Todd Zolecki said that the promotion could be short-lived, though a strong first few games would help.
Well, Williams is making his case to be here for the rest of the season, even just four games in. There’s a certain swagger about the 23-year-old. He looks completely comfortable, even against the best. It would be doing Williams, the team and the entire city a disservice if the outfielder is sent back down.
No one is saying Williams isn’t going to struggle – that part in inevitable. But Williams looks and plays the part. He belongs here, and he knows it.
