CLEVELAND — Nick Williams jogged to right field at Progressive Field and a smattering of fans who crowded the front rows of the bleachers yelled. It was a little after 5 p.m. on Friday, and this was Williams’ only chance to run around. The fans wanted baseballs. Williams obliged. He flipped almost every batting-practice ball hit to him. He smiled. It was fun.



The former prospect has played two innings this month for the Phillies. He pinch-hit once, 20 days ago, and struck out on three pitches. He pinch-ran last week. “When I’m on the bench, I try to talk to guys,” Williams said. “I try to pick guys’ brains. I try to stay positive.” But there is more time than ever to think. His mind wanders and he cannot stop it.



“I think about back home a lot,” Williams, 26, said. “My family. I try to keep my mind on positive things.”



Less than a month ago, Williams was there when his parents buried...