Highly touted outfielder Heliot Ramos and versatile fielder Luke Williams are both in the Giants’ starting lineup for the series finale against the Marlins.
Ramos, 22, is playing left field and batting sixth (John Brebbia was placed on bereavement leave to make space for him on the roster). Williams is taking over for Wilmer Flores at third and hitting eighth.
“It’s the happiest day of my life,” Ramos said. “I’ve been waiting for this.”
Ramos was expected to debut this season, but getting the call this early in the season was surprising. He was removed in the third inning of Sacramento’s game yesterday and wasn’t sure exactly what was going on. He didn’t want to get his hopes up. But his promotion soon became clear.
The Giants’ first-round pick from 2017 called his brother, Henry, who didn’t pick up initially because he’s playing in Korea. Ramos connected with his parents, who are expected to come to San Francisco for the Giants’ upcoming series against the Padres.
Even Ramos admitted he was a bit surprised to get the call this early in the season, just two games in.
“We felt like it was the right time to give him an opportunity,” Gabe Kapler told reporters pregame. “He earned it.”
Ramos gives the Giants another right-handed bat; left-hander Trevor Rogers is on the bump for Miami on Sunday and the Padres could throw southpaws Blake Snell and Sean Manaea next series. With Ramos in left, Austin Slater slides into right field — where he’ll have to cover plenty of ground.
Williams, meanwhile, has been lauded by Giants officials for his work ethic and fit in the clubhouse. SF traded for the utility man in the spring, and the gregarious, long-locked Californian has done nothing but impress since.
For Philadelphia last year, Williams played every position except pitcher and catcher. He .313 with a .915 OPS in the spring for San Francisco.
Williams is taking over at the hot corner for Wilmer Flores, who has committed an error in each of the Giants’ first two games. Flores’ bat is still dangerous, though, and he’ll serve as designated hitter against the lefty Rogers.
