A Frustrating Turn of Events for Weston Wilson
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Weston Wilson’s aspirations of making the Phillies’ Opening Day roster took an unexpected turn on Friday at BayCare Ballpark. After completing his morning workout, stretching, defensive drills, and batting practice, Wilson was gearing up for the final part of his day: live batting practice against Taijuan Walker. It was during his breaking ball routine in the cage that he suffered a Grade 2 strain of his left oblique, an injury that will sideline him for six weeks and cost him the chance to be on the team’s starting roster.
The Nature of the Injury
Oblique strains are a common and often frustrating injury in baseball, particularly for athletes who have worked diligently to strengthen that area. Wilson described the incident as a "freak accident," noting that it occurred during what felt like a routine swing. "It’s disappointing, obviously," he said on Sunday morning as the Phillies prepared for their first home spring training game of the year. "I worked really hard during the offseason to get my body in the best shape possible. It was a very normal swing. I don’t really understand why it happened." The injury was so sudden and severe that Wilson knew immediately it was more than just a minor tweak. "It felt like a strong grab. I knew right away that it was worse than that."
A Slow and Steady Recovery Plan
The Phillies are taking Wilson’s recovery seriously, ensuring that his rehab process is thorough and slow. His spring training is effectively over, aside from the necessary rehabilitation exercises. Wilson is expected to begin ramping up for the regular season in early April, provided there are no setbacks. The team’s cautious approach underscores the importance of his health and readiness, as they are hopeful he will still be able to contribute significantly once he returns to full form.
The Impact on the Phillies’ Roster
Wilson’s injury creates a new dynamic in the competition for the final bench spot. Prior to his injury, Wilson was the frontrunner for this position, thanks to his right-handed bat and versatility in playing both infield and outfield positions. Now, players like Buddy Kennedy, Kody Clemens, and Cal Stevenson have a better chance of securing the spot. Kennedy, a right-handed hitter, demonstrated his potential with a two-run homer at first base on Saturday in Lakeland and was back in the lineup at second base on Sunday. His ability to play passable left-field defense will be a crucial factor in the final decision.
Contract Options and Roster Depth
Contract options will also influence the team’s decision. Kennedy and Clemens are both out of options, meaning they cannot be sent to the minor leagues without being exposed to waivers. Both players pose a risk of being claimed by other teams, and the Phillies value maintaining as much roster depth as possible. Stevenson, on the other hand, can be optioned, making him the longshot in the competition. Manager Rob Thomson mentioned on Saturday that if Edmundo Sosa’s work in left and center field this spring goes smoothly, the final bench bat could potentially be a left-handed hitter like Clemens or Stevenson.
Looking Ahead to a Strong Return
Despite the setback, Wilson remains optimistic about his future with the Phillies. "I’ve already been rehabbing," he said. "Gonna come back stronger and healthier and ready to play this year and help this team win ballgames." When healthy, Wilson has proven his value to the team. In the first half of the 2024 season, he saw limited action, starting just two games and playing in four. However, after the All-Star break, he shone brightly, hitting .300/.360/.525 with 11 extra-base hits in 89 plate appearances. This performance highlighted his potential and the team’s belief in his abilities. While he may have to hit his way back up for a third straight year, there is ample time and opportunity for him to make a strong return and contribute to the Phillies’ success.
