Philadelphia Phillies utility player Weston Wilson has an oblique strain and will miss six weeks. Wilson will not be able to be on the Phillies 26-man roster come opening day. Phillies manager Rob Thomson informed reporters about the severity of the injury after the team’s Feb. 22 game. The injury occurred on Feb. 21 while Wilson was working in the batting cage. According to Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Wilson was supposed to start at first base in the Phillies spring training opener. Buddy Kennedy started the game at first base instead.
Weston Wilson Injury Changes Outlook For Phillies Bench
Players Who Could Take The Spot
The battle for the bench spot, which is a top Phillies spring training storyline this year, changes with the Wilson injury. Kennedy and Kody Clemens, out of minor league options, have improved chances to make the roster. In addition, MLB.com reporter Todd Zolecki said that Kennedy could see playing time in the outfield in spring training games now. Furthermore, Christian Arroyo, who is a non-roster invitee, now has an increased chance to make the roster as well. Arroyo has played all four infield positions and has 17 major league appearances in the outfield.
Increases Need For Phillies To Add Defensive Versatility With Wilson Out
This comes as Edmundo Sosa sees outfield work to increase the team’s defensive versatility. Sosa might play in the outfield during the regular season now. Wilson plays both infield and outfield positions. During his major league career, Wilson has appeared in seven positions. Sosa being a right-handed batter increases the need for him to get outfield work. Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh are both left-handed batters. Kepler and Marsh are not great hitters against left-handed pitching, so the Phillies need reliable right-handed outfield options.
Main Photo Credits: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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