Crabs' Williams asks for release

Stone Crabs infielder Shawn Williams was released Sunday by the Tampa Bay Rays. Williams asked to be released, according to the Crabs. The 26-year-old was 5-for-17 with two RBIs in six games for Charlotte this season, his fourth as a professional. Williams, who signed as a non-drafted free agent in October 2006, hit .246 in 96 games last year for the Crabs.