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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.