‘It’s like Christmas again’ as Hamilton joins Braves

Billy Hamilton feels like Christmas came early.

After being let go by one of baseball’s worst teams, Hamilton joined the first-place Braves on Tuesday to help with their push for the playoffs.

“It’s a great feeling,” Hamilton said. “I had chills going down my body when they called me the other morning and told me I had been claimed by the Braves.”

Hamilton was designated for assignment by the Royals on Friday after a dismal season. He was hitting .211 with no homers, 12 RBIs and 18 stolen bases.

The Braves claimed Hamilton off waivers to bolster their injury-plagued roster, which is missing outfielders Nick Markakis, Ender Inciarte and Austin Riley, along with shortstop Dansby Swanson.

For now, Hamilton will play a role off the bench, serving as a late-inning defensive replacement and pinch-runner.

“It’s like Christmas again,” he said with a smile. “It’s amazing to come here and be part of this winning organization.”

Hamilton is eager to jumpstart his career after flopping in Kansas City. He is making $4.25 million this year and has a $7.5 million mutual option for next season that includes a $1 million buyout.

INJURY NEWS >> Mets reliever Robert Gsellman (2-3, 4.66 ERA) has a partially torn lat muscle that puts the rest of his season in jeopardy, a significant blow as the team chases a playoff berth. The injury is similar to the one that sidelined teammate Noah Syndergaard for more than 4½ months in 2017.

Braves reliever Jacob Webb (4-0, 1.39ERA) is likely done for the year after being placed on the 60-day IL with an ailing right elbow.

Pitcher Felix Hernandez (14, 6.52 ERA), out three months with right shoulder stiffness, will rejoin the Mariners’ rotation this weekend, accordinng to manager Scott Servais.