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A surprise contributor to last year’s Phillies team is nearing a return to the current squad. Weston Wilson, a utility infielder who also played left field last summer, is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment this week.
Wilson did not play during spring training due to a left oblique strain. Beginning on Tuesday, he will join the Phillies Single-A team, the Clearwater Threshers, as the next step in his recovery. The 30-year-old Wilson would have been a candidate for a bench spot in Philadelphia if he had not suffered the injury.
Destiny Lugardo of PhilliesNation had the news first:
Weston Wilson (oblique) will start a rehab assignment in Clearwater on Tuesday.
— Destiny Lugardo (@destiny_lugardo) April 6, 2025
Wilson hit. 284 with three home runs, seven doubles, and ten RBI during his rookie season with the Phillies. He also recorded the 10th cycle in franchise history during a game against the Washington Nationals.
Wilson notably slashed .341 against left-handed pitching, which, combined with his ability to play multiple positions, made him an ideal candidate for a Phillies roster loaded with guys who hit better off the other side.
Wilson could get promoted back to the bigs if he looks good at the plate. If not, he still has one minor league option, so the Phils can hang onto him for insurance and bring him back up later.
If Philly decides to call up Wilson at the end of his rehab, they have a few options regarding who to take off the active roster. Center fielder Johan Rojas still has minor league options left, and with Brandon Marsh the everyday starter and Edmundo Sosa passing his first test as a backup option Saturday, demoting him means that the club wouldn't lose anyone.
The other candidate is Kody Clemens, who actively serves a similar role to Wilson's. The difference is that he is a left-handed hitter with no remaining options, so the Phils would have to trade him or put him on waivers.
Either way, the team has time to decide. Wilson will likely play a few games at a higher minor league level before his rehab is over.
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Jerry Jones again proves he shouldn't be making decisions for Cowboys
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Ranking U.S. Ryder Cup pairings by how much you would hate to play with them
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