Yankees News: Mason Williams, Not Aaron Judge Promoted to Scranton

With Slade Heathcott set to make his major league debut for the New York Yankees, Mason Williams has been promoted from Trenton to Scranton in order to fill the void left behind by Heathcott.

"“It’s well deserved,” Thunder manager Al Pedrique said of Williams’ promotion to Nick Peruffo of The Trentonian. “He did everything we asked him to do, and in center field that’s what they need up there right now. He’s going to play every day.”"

While many believe Aaron Judge was in line for a call up over Mason Williams, it’s hard to look past the solid numbers posted by Williams. He hit in seven of his last eight games with Trenton and posted a .317/.407/.375 slash line.

Mason Williams, 23, was once rated the top prospect in the Yankees organization by Baseball America in 2013. This year, he wasn’t even ranked in their top ten, as the Winter Garden, Florida native saw his stock drop after struggling to adjust to Double-A in the early parts of 2013 and the 2014 seasons. Non the less, the talented young man has reestablished himself as one of the Yankees top prospects this year, leading the Thunder in batting average (3.17) and stolen bases (11) through the teams first 40 games of the season.

On the defensive side of the diamond, Williams has always been a stellar defender. While his speed makes him best suited for centerfield, he has played all three outfield positions this season down in Trenton. He’s committed just one error so far this season.

"“We all know that defensively (Williams) could play in the big leagues right now in center field,” Pedrique said. “Now its going to be up to him, how he’s going to play in Triple-A. At least he’s going to get the opportunity to play every day.”"

In order to fill Williams’ spot in Trenton, the Thunder also promoted outfielder Danny Oh from High-A Tampa. Oh, 25, was selected by our staff here at Yanks Go Yard as the High-A Minor League Player of the Week during the first week of the season. He has since been on a tear, hitting .333/.361/.334 in 29 games with Tampa in the Florida State League.