Phillies Outfield Adjustments: Sosa’s Role Takes Center Stage
CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Phillies’ outfield situation took an unexpected turn this weekend as they began their Grapefruit League schedule. Right-handed hitting outfielder Weston Wilson has been sidelined with a Grade 2 oblique strain, an injury that will keep him out for six weeks. This development has significantly altered the team’s plans, making the ongoing outfield training of utilityman Edmundo Sosa more than just an interesting experiment—it’s now a crucial contingency.
Wilson was expected to serve as a right-handed bench option and occasionally fill in as a left fielder, particularly in games where Max Kepler needed a break. There were also discussions about giving Wilson some time in center field to see if he could become a platoon option with Brandon Marsh. However, with Wilson’s injury, the Phillies are now in greater need of a right-handed hitting outfielder, and Sosa, a 29-year-old veteran, is emerging as a key candidate.
Sosa’s Dedication to the Outfield
Sosa has been diligently working each day during spring training, receiving extensive outfield coaching from Paco Figueroa and Andy Abad. Unlike last year, when the Phillies briefly tested Sosa in the outfield for a few days, this time around, both the team and Sosa are fully committed to the new role. Last season, Sosa’s versatility was crucial when Trea Turner missed six weeks due to a hamstring injury, and the need for his adaptability remains evident.
“It’s hard work every single day,” Sosa said through team interpreter Diego D’Aniello. “I start the day doing my infield routine to keep my skills as sharp as possible and then I go back and forth with Paco doing a lot of outfield work. The main difference this year is that I’m in it 100%. Last year, we did sort of a test drive in the outfield, two or three days, let’s try it out and see how it goes. But this year we’re fully invested in this new role. Last year, I didn’t work in the outfield every day. Now I am.”
Sosa’s Bat Against Lefties
Sosa’s value extends beyond his defensive capabilities. He has a proven track record against left-handed pitching, hitting .284/.347/.514 against southpaws last year. His career OPS is 91 points higher against lefties than righties, making him a legitimate threat in key situations. Manager Rob Thomson has expressed his desire to see Sosa’s outfield skills in game action "sooner rather than later, probably within the next week." Buddy Kennedy, another right-handed hitting outfielder, will also see increased time in left field, adding depth to the position.
“It says a lot that they’re trusting in my ability to learn a new position,” Sosa said, entering his fourth season with the Phillies. “It’s a position I’ve never played in the big leagues nor in the minor leagues. If they’re letting me try this, it’s because they’re trusting that I can assume this new challenge. I’m here to learn and I’m here to help the team win. I’m thankful for being here another year where I call it home, with the Phillies. I feel like I’m around family. I really have it good here.”
Tyler Phillips’ Pitching Debut
In Sunday’s 7-3 loss to the Orioles, Tyler Phillips took the mound for the Phillies and allowed three runs over two innings. His first inning was particularly challenging, as he walked the first batter and hit the next, both of whom scored. Vimael Machin capitalized on Phillips in the second inning, hitting a home run to extend the Orioles’ lead.
Phillips is currently vying for the final spot on the Phillies’ pitching staff, but he faces stiff competition from more established pitchers like Taijuan Walker. Furthermore, Phillips is out of minor-league options, meaning if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, the Phillies will have to place him on waivers. Given the premium placed on starting pitching depth across the league, there’s a high likelihood that Phillips could be claimed by another team. A trade is also a potential scenario.
Phillips’ Journey and Determination
Despite the challenges, Phillips remains optimistic and determined. The South Jersey native made headlines last summer by making eight starts with the Phillies, posting a 3-0 record with a 1.80 ERA in his first four starts, including a shutout of the AL Central-winning Cleveland Guardians. However, his performance dipped in his final four outings, where he allowed 23 earned runs over just 11⅔ innings. Phillips acknowledges that the truth probably lies somewhere in between these extremes, but his July 2023 success has given him the confidence he needs to push forward.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that I belong in the big leagues,” Phillips said. “I’ve put in a lot of work my entire career, I’ve been through a lot of crap coming up through this, and now it’s just finding that true competition. I was good in July last year, really good in July. I think a lot of that was just finding yourself and not letting any insecurities creep in. This year, a big thing that I’ve been trying to work on is just being myself, being a good teammate in this clubhouse, talking with guys, not being timid. … Not letting any of the negative thoughts come in because a lot of those translate into real-world, physical things.”
A Rocky Game for the Phillies
The Phillies faced a tough outing on Sunday, ultimately losing 6-3 to the Orioles. However, there were bright spots, particularly from veteran infielder Christian Arroyo, who was signed just as spring training began. Arroyo smacked a solo home run onto the concourse past left field in the third inning, providing a moment of excitement for the Phillies’ lineup.
Prospects Bring Hope and Promise
The game also featured several promising prospects, showcasing the future of the Phillies’ organization. In the seventh inning, Justin Crawford, the Phillies’ No. 3-ranked prospect and former first-round center fielder, hit a single to the opposite field and scored a run when Gabriel Rincones Jr., a power-hitting corner outfield prospect, launched a two-run shot. Crawford and shortstop Aidan Miller, the Phillies’ top-ranked position player prospect, both played in games on Saturday and Sunday, highlighting the team’s commitment to developing its young talent.
On Saturday, Crawford came agonizingly close to extra bases when he crushed a line drive to deep left-center, only to see it snatched on the run by an opposing outfielder. Despite the setback, the prospects’ performances offer a glimpse of the potential that lies ahead for the Phillies, adding a layer of excitement to the spring training games.
