SAN FRANCISCO -- For a second straight year, Mac Williamson has forced the issue.
Williamson will join the Giants on Tuesday in Denver, NBC Sports Bay Area has learned, after being called up from the minors.
The Giants later confirmed the news as part of a flurry of moves.
ROSTER MOVES:
• OF Mike Gerber optioned to AAA Sacramento.
• SHP Pat Venditte optioned to AAA Sacramento post-game, designated for assignment.
• OF Gerardo Parra outrighted to AAA Sacramento and elected free agency.
• IF Yangervis Solarte designated for assignment. (con'd)— San Francisco Giants (@SFGiants) May 7, 2019
The outfielder hit three homers for Triple-A Sacramento on Monday night, giving nine for the season. He has a .378 average and 1.215 OPS, and in recent days has shown more plate discipline, something new Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi was looking for as he evaluated Williamson's powerful start to the season.
Williamson has 11 walks in his last seven games, raising his on-base percentage to .459.
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Williamson did this same thing last year, slugging his way to the big leagues by April 20. He hit three homers in his first five games in place of Hunter Pence and appeared poised for an everyday role, but a concussion suffered when he tripped over a bullpen mound put him on the sidelines. Williamson was never right when he returned, and his season ended prematurely as he tried to get his concussion symptoms under control.
This year has been tumultuous in a different way. Williamson was designated for assignment at the end of the spring when the Giants opted to go with Michael Reed and Connor Joe in the corners on Opening Day. With a crowded outfield in Triple-A, it appeared the Giants wanted Williamson to try and find an opportunity elsewhere.
But he cleared waivers, ended up back in Sacramento and again has been the Triple-A club's most feared hitter. One of his homers Monday was estimated in the 500-foot neighborhood.