0 Billy Hamilton CF

Hamilton was released and subsequently re-signed to a minor-league deal by the Giants on Sunday, and he will be present for the start of spring training 2.0, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Pablo Sandoval (elbow), Trevor Cahill and Yolmer Sanchez went through similar procedures, potentially to eliminate the opt-out clauses in their previous deals. None of the four players are on the 40-man roster but all remain candidates for the season-opening 30-man roster. Hamilton could end up starting in center field, though Jaylin Davis and Mauricio Dubon are also in the mix.

Hamilton could earn a roster spot in the Giants' outfield, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Hamilton recorded only four at-bats in Cactus League action, but his defensive experience could earn him a roster spot. Without Hamilton, the team would likely rely on Jaylin Davis and Mauricio Dubon to man center field. Considering both are relatively untested at the big-league level, and Dubon is only beginning his transition to the outfield, Hamilton may present the safest option to begin the season for the Giants.

Hamilton signed with the Giants as a non-roster invitee Friday.

Hamilton's speed is elite and brought him four consecutive seasons with at least 56 steals from 2014 to 2017, but his bat just hasn't developed, limiting his opportunities to run in recent seasons. In 119 games for the Royals and Braves last season, he stole a comparably low 22 bases, as his anemic .218/.289/.275 slash line limited his opportunities at the plate. Heading into his age-29 season, it would be a surprise if his bat suddenly became good enough for him to deserve an everyday role, but he could still run often enough to matter to fantasy owners if he winds up with a part-time job.

The Braves' declined Hamilton's $7.5 million option Thursday, making him a free agent, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Hamilton is a great defensive center fielder and one of the best base stealers of his generation, but he has a career 67 wRC+ and logged a career-low 50 wRC+ last season. He should catch on elsewhere with an invitation to big-league camp.

Hamilton (thumb) will bat eighth and play center field Saturday against the Mets.

Hamilton left Friday's game with a thumb injury after stealing a base, but the issue was evidently a very minor one, as he won't miss any games. He's been the primary center fielder for the last few games but will likely revert to the bench sparkplug role that suits him best if Ronald Acuna returns from a hip injury as expected for the start of the playoffs.

Hamilton injured his right thumb on a slide during Friday's game against the Mets, but he's expected to be OK, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Hamilton reportedly hooked his thumb on a slide into second base, and per Burns, he could've stayed in the contest if needed. He'll be considered day-to-day moving forward.

Hamilton left Friday's game against the Mets after suffering an apparent injury, 680 The Fan Atlanta reports.

Hamilton appeared to suffer the injury on a stolen base in the fourth inning, and he was removed in the fifth. He was replaced in center field by Rafael Ortega.

Hamilton is in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Hamilton has played sparingly since joining the Braves, but he will start Sunday for the second day in a row with manager Brian Snitker giving his regular some rest in advance of the postseason. Hamilton will man center field and hit eighth against Giants starter Logan Webb.

Hamilton went 2-for-2 with two walks and a stolen base in Tuesday's loss to the Blue Jays.

Making his first start for Atlanta and hitting ninth in an AL park, the speedster did everything he could to provide his new club with an offensive spark, but the top four hitters in the order went a combined 2-for-18 and failed to bring him around to score. Hamilton will primary remain a pinch-running option and late-inning defensive replacement for Atlanta, and with 21 steals on the year he may not see enough playing time to reach 30 for the sixth straight campaign.

Hamilton was claimed off waivers by the Braves on Monday.

With Austin Riley (knee), Ender Inciarte (hamstring) and Nick Markakis (wrist) all on the 10-day injured list, the Braves could really use some outfield depth. Hamilton will primarily be used as a pinch runner and late-inning defensive replacement -- he represents a significant defensive upgrade over Adam Duvall and Matt Joyce, for instance. He hit .211 with zero home runs and 18 steals in 93 games before the Royals designated him for assignment.

Hamilton was designated for assignment by the Royals on Friday.

Hamilton joined the Royals on a one-year deal in December and went on to post the worst numbers of his career with a .211/.275/.269 slash line and 18 stolen bases in 93 games. The 28-year-old has made only nine starts and 15 total appearances since the All-Star break, a stretch in which he went 4-for-31 with 12 strikeouts. Brett Phillips was recalled from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move.

Hamilton went 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a stolen base Thursday against the White Sox.

Hamilton drew a rare start and took advantage, recording his first multi-hit game since June 23. He also stole his 17th base of the season, breaking a string of 15 consecutive appearances without a stolen base. Clearly the fourth outfielder for the Royals, Hamilton is appealing solely for his occasional stolen base production.

Hamilton is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Nationals.

Hamilton will head to the bench for the fourth straight contest, and at this point, it looks safe to conclude that the speedster has surrendered his everyday center-field job to Whit Merrifield. While his plus defense and elite baserunning should allow Hamilton to earn regular work off the bench, the lack of steady at-bats will likely inhibit his ability to consistently rack up stolen bases.

Hamilton is not starting Saturday against the Nationals.

Hamilton will sit out his third consecutive contest. He's been squeezed out of playing time due to the Royals losing the designated hitter during their series in a National League park. Whit Merrifield will draw the start in center field while Jorge Soler will man right field.

Hamilton is out of the lineup for Friday's game at Washington.

Hamilton will sit for the second straight contest after going 5-for-33 with 12 strikeouts in his last 11 games. Whit Merrifield will start in center field while Jorge Soler takes over in right field with the Royals without the services of a designated hitter in a National League park.

Hamilton is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Indians.

Hamilton will head to the bench for the second time in five games and could be subject to more frequent days off while he continues to make a limited impact at the dish. Though the Royals signed Hamilton this offseason knowing he would provide his most impact as a baserunner and defender, the team probably expected better than the career-worst .550 OPS he has delivered thus far. He's shown few signs of turning the corner offensively, as he's supplied a .193/.245/.239 slash line dating back to the beginning of June.

Hamilton is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

Hamilton will sit for the third time in nine games as Whit Merrifield picks up a start in center field. Over 24 games in June, Hamilton has managed a .205/.262/.256 slash line with five steals, four RBI and four runs. The steals are certainly nice, but his lackluster production in every other category makes it tough to justify keeping Hamilton in weekly lineups in most leagues.

Hamilton is not in Tuesday's lineup against the Indians.

Hamilton is hitting .212 with zero home runs and five steals in 20 games this month. Whit Merrifield will start in center field and lead off.

Hamilton is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Twins.

Hamilton will get a breather for the first time since June 8 as Whit Merrifield fills in for him in center field. While starting in each of the Royals' last 12 games, Hamilton chipped in three steals but batted a lowly .184 with no home runs, two RBI and two runs.

Hamilton went 0-for-1 with two walks and a stolen base in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the White Sox.

Hamilton has struggled at the dish all season long with a subpar .588 OPS, six RBI and 24 runs in 194 plate appearances. His only fantasy appeal is stolen bases, but he's not racking up 50 or more a year like he was earlier in his career. He has just 12 so far in 2019.