Williams, who enters 2020 as the Pirates' No. 3 starter, struggled throughout spring training with a 9.00 ERA in nine innings.

EDGE Analysis

He gave up 12 hits and six walks in nine frames, though the gusty Florida winds contributed to his ineffectiveness. On the bright side, Williams permitted only one homer. In 2019, the righty saw his home run rate jump to 1.64 HR/9 from 0.51 HR/9 in 2017 and 1.17 HR/9 in 2018. Last year, the righty registered an 8.87 ERA in 10 starts with the recently released Elias Diaz behind the plate. With Francisco Cervelli and current starter Jacob Stallings catching, his earned-run average dropped to 3.67 (in 16 starts). Williams makes for an interesting endgame fantasy pick, especially if he can rebound anywhere close to the pitcher he was before 2019, when he compiled a 3.56 ERA in his first two full major-league campaigns.

Williams allowed four runs on four hits and two walks in one-plus innings Friday against Baltimore. He struck out two batters.

EDGE Analysis

He pitched better than his line suggests but was squeezed by the home plate ump and poorly supported by his fielders. Williams left the game in the top of the second inning after throwing 46 pitches. The righty has surrendered eight runs in three spring innings and is looking to rebound from a poor 2019 showing, when he compiled a 5.38 ERA and 1.41 WHIP.

Williams gave up four earned runs on four hits and a walk in two innings Sunday against the Phillies. He hit one batter, threw one wild pitch and finished with zero strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

Williams certainly didn't get off to a great Grapefruit League start, but he'll get plenty more chances as the team's third starter. The righty compiled an amazing second half in 2018 -- 1.29 ERA in 76.2 innings -- but he pitched closer to his expected numbers in 2019. His 5.38 ERA last summer nearly mirrored his xFIP of 5.25.

Williams agreed to a one-year, $2.825 million deal with the Pirates on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is his first of three years as an arbitration-eligible player. Williams should break camp in the Pirates' rotation.

Williams allowed two runs on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts across seven innings while taking a loss against the Reds on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Although it led to just two runs, Williams tossed up two more long balls Sunday, giving him a career-high 27 homers allowed this season. He yielded just 15 a year ago, which is why his ERA was more than 2.00 runs better in 2018. Williams started experiencing problems giving up homers when he returned from an injury in the middle of June, and it immediately hurt his ERA. He finishes the season 7-9 with a disappointing 5.38 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 113 strikeouts in 145.2 innings.

Williams (7-8) allowed two runs on three hits with two walks and six strikeouts across five innings while taking a loss against the Brewers on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander was better in this one, but he gave up two more homers, which has been too common since he returned from injury in June. Over his last 16 starts since that return from the IL on June 19, Williams has tossed up 21 homers. As a result, he owns a 6.91 ERA during that stretch. Overall, Williams has a 5.52 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 108 strikeouts in 138.2 innings this season. He will end the season with a start against the Reds at home Sunday.

Williams (7-7) gave up seven runs on six hits and three walks while striking out none through 2.1 innings to take the loss against the Cubs on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Williams gave up three runs in the first inning and was charged with four more runs in the third frame. This was easily his worst start of the month, as he had three quality starts in his previous four outings coming into this game. The right-hander has a 5.59 ERA with 102 strikeouts through 24 starts this season. Williams is scheduled to make his next start Saturday against the Brewers at Miller Park.

Williams didn't factor into the decision against the Giants on Monday, giving up four earned runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings, striking out six and walking three as the Pirates eventually won 6-4.

EDGE Analysis

Williams had fired three straight quality starts coming into the contest, but he couldn't quite keep it rolling against the Giants, missing the benchmark by one out and one earned run. He's been pitching better lately, but still sports lackluster numbers on the season, with a 5.21 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 102:37 K:BB over 131.1 innings. The right-hander's next start is currently tabbed for a Saturday road matchup against the Cubs.

Williams didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Marlins, giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits and a walk over six innings while striking out six.

EDGE Analysis

It's the right-hander's third straight quality start, and 11th of the season. Williams will carry a 5.16 ERA and 96:34 K:BB through 125.2 innings into his next outing Monday in San Francisco.

Williams (7-6) picked up the win against the Rockies on Thursday, giving up three earned runs on seven hits over seven innings, striking out six and walking none in the Pirates' 11-8 victory.

EDGE Analysis

Williams was given nine runs of support in the first two innings of the game, and he capitalized on the big cushion by tossing a quality start and picking up his seventh win of the season. It was a solid outing for the 27-year-old, but he still sports lackluster numbers overall, as he's got a 5.26 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 90:33 K:BB across 119.2 innings.