Chris Haft / MLB.com
Taking a no-risk gamble Sunday, the Giants invited former National League Rookie of the Year Scott Williamson to Spring Training as a non-roster player.
Williamson, who turns 32 next Sunday, has endured an injury-filled career, including back, elbow and foot ailments. Last year, a line drive hit by the Los Angeles Angels' Chone Figgins struck Williamson on the inside of his left foot, derailing his season.
Williamson was 1-0 with a 4.40 ERA in 16 appearances with Baltimore before being designated for assignment. He then performed briefly for the New York Yankees' Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre club, posting an 0-1 mark with a 9.82 ERA in four games.
When healthy, Williamson misses a lot of bats -- which obviously intrigued the Giants, who need relief depth. He owns 510 strikeouts in 439 1/3 career innings with five teams, an average of 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings.
Williamson enjoyed instant success upon reaching the Majors in 1999 with Cincinnati, finishing 12-7 with 19 saves in 62 outings to capture the NL's top rookie honors.
In another career highlight, he earned saves in all three of his appearances in the 2003 AL Championship Series with Boston.
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