Phillies’ Weston Wilson Nearing Return From Injury, Roster Decision Looms

Philadelphia Phillies utilityman Weston Wilson is nearing the end of his rehab stint with Low-A Clearwater after missing time with an oblique injury sustained during spring training. The latest his rehab assignment can run is April 28, at which point the team must decide whether to add him to the active 26-man roster or option him to the minors.

This season marks Wilson’s final minor league option year, meaning if he doesn’t make the big league roster, he’ll likely be sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Due to Kody Clemens being out of options and at risk of being claimed off waivers if designated for assignment, Wilson is expected to be optioned when activated.

So far in four rehab games, Wilson is slashing just .100/.357/.100, with no homers or RBIs. Despite the low batting average, he’s shown strong plate discipline, drawing walks at a 28.6% clip while striking out 21.4% of the time. He’s made three starts in left field and one at third base—two positions currently struggling offensively for Philadelphia.

Both Alec Bohm and Brandon Marsh are off to slow starts at the plate. Since March 30, Marsh is just 1-for-36 with a 2 wRC+, while Bohm has posted the lowest wRC+ among Phillies with 30 or more plate appearances. Marsh also ranks at the bottom in both batting average and slugging percentage over that stretch.

Although Wilson plays the same positions and has defensive versatility, the team hasn’t signaled any intent to demote Bohm or Marsh—both of whom still have minor league options and not enough service time to refuse a demotion. Marsh appears slightly more likely than Bohm to be sent down, but any such move would likely wait until Wilson is fully ready.

As it stands, the most probable outcome is that Wilson will be optioned to Triple-A, with Clemens possibly being designated for assignment to create roster space.