Before spring training began, Weston Wilson appeared to be the leading candidate for the Phillies’ final bench spot.
His versatility in both the infield and outfield, along with his right-handed bat, made him a strong fit.
However, Wilson suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain on Friday while taking a swing in the batting cage at BayCare Ballpark. He’ll be sidelined for at least six weeks, eliminating his chance to make his first Opening Day roster and opening up the competition for the final bench spot.
“It’s really frustrating,” Wilson said Sunday at BayCare Ballpark. “I put in a lot of work this offseason to get my body in peak condition. It was just a freak accident—no warning signs, nothing leading up to it. More than anything, I’m just disappointed. I was excited to start the year with the team and felt confident about making the roster.”
Wilson’s right-handed bat would have provided balance to the Phillies’ lefty-heavy lineup.
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So, where does that leave the Phillies now?
Edmundo Sosa is a lock for the roster, and the team will give him outfield reps this spring. If he adjusts well and the Phillies feel comfortable, he could serve as another right-handed-hitting outfield option.
Johan Rojas is expected to make the team as the fourth outfielder, while either Rafael Marchán or Garrett Stubbs will serve as the backup catcher.
As for the final bench spot, the remaining 40-man roster options are Buddy Kennedy, Kody Clemens, and Cal Stevenson.
Kennedy’s chances have improved significantly since he bats right-handed and is also getting reps in the outfield. Both he and Clemens are out of minor league options, which could factor into the Phillies’ decision-making. Clemens and Stevenson, who both hit left-handed, bring different strengths—Clemens offers infield and outfield flexibility, while Stevenson is strictly an outfielder.
“Buddy is definitely more in play now,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Saturday. “If Sosa can handle the outfield, maybe we go with a left-handed bat. We still have some options.”
The Phillies could also explore acquiring a right-handed-hitting corner outfielder in the coming weeks, similar to past moves for Cristian Pache in 2023 and David Dellucci in 2006.
But this was supposed to be Wilson’s spot, and he knows it—as does everyone in camp.
Now, he’ll have to focus on rehabbing and proving himself once he’s healthy.
“I’ve already started rehab,” Wilson said. “I’ll come back stronger, healthier, and ready to contribute. My goal is to help this team win ballgames—and win a World Series.”