The Philadelphia Phillies need to consider optioning utility player Weston Wilson to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Wilson had an oblique strain that caused him to miss most of spring training and the first month or so of the regular season. However, he has since returned from the injured list and struggled. Wilson has been platooning in left field with Max Kepler since his return. Kepler is a left-handed batter who does not do as well against left-handed pitchers. The Phillies are currently running multiple platoons. Edmundo Sosa and Bryson Stott are effectively platooning right now at second base. Meanwhile, Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas platoon in center field.
Phillies Should Discuss Optioning Weston Wilson
Wilson Not Playing Well
In 13 major league games this season, Wilson has a .217/.308/.348 line with only one home run and three RBI, along with an 87 wRC+ and a .286 BABIP. He has a career-worst 30.8% strikeout rate and an 11.5% walk rate. Wilson has a .529 OPS and a 59 wRC+ against left-handed pitchers this season, much lower than his career .937 OPS and 159 wRC+ against lefties. He has a 0.38 BB/K rate against left-handed pitchers this season compared to a career 0.59 BB/K rate. It is worth noting that Wilson has one minor league option year available.
Weston Wilson gets the Phils within one with a solo home run
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— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 31, 2024
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Phillies Need Improved Outfield Production if Platoon Continues
While Wilson brings defensive versatility, it is hard to justify keeping him on the 26-man roster if he is having issues against left-handed pitchers. He gets playing time because he is supposed to do better against left-handed pitching than Marsh and Kepler. During his minor league rehab assignment, Wilson had a .158/.304/.237 line with no home runs and two RBI in 10 games. He also had a 58 wRC+ and a .231 BABIP during the rehab assignment, with a 26.1% strikeout rate and 17.4% walk rate during that span. The Phillies have to consider optioning their utility player.
Potential Candidate for Promotion
Otto Kemp should be first in line for a call-up if Wilson is demoted. Kemp has been appearing in left field occasionally in minor league games, and he can also play multiple infield positions. He has a .319/.425/.602 line along with 12 home runs and 44 RBI in 49 Triple-A games this season. Additionally, he has a 170 wRC+ and a .415 BABIP this year, to go with a 27.2% strikeout rate and a 9.2% walk rate. This season Kemp leads the International League in home runs and RBI while ranking second in OPS. These numbers make him deserving of a promotion to the big leagues.
Role Adjustments
If Weston Wilson is optioned to the minor leagues would lead to role changes. Sosa would play more in the outfield in this scenario. So far this season. Sosa has made three appearances in the outfield, including one start. He worked in the outfield extensively during spring training. The Phillies should take advantage of the defensive versatility work they did this spring. Stott, and to some extent Marsh and Kepler, should get more chances against left-handed pitching anyway. Regardless, this would open up opportunities to keep Sosa in the lineup on a more regular basis.
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