Spring training games have only just begun, and the madness of trying to finalize the roster is still weeks down the road. Some players are fighting for a job and looking to prove their worthiness as a major leaguer with the ultimate goal being able to break camp with the team next month.
The Philadelphia Phillies didn’t have a major splash in free agency over the winter, so the roster is open-ended in a few spots. The outfield perhaps has the biggest questions concerning its depth and now one of those players, Weston Wilson, will be playing from behind after suffering an injury.
Phillies’ Weston Wilson responding to ‘freak’ injury will break your heart
A player who was looking to lock down one of the last remaining roster spots this spring, Wilson went down with an oblique strain and is now out for at least six weeks. According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, Wilson suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain on a swing in the batting cage last Friday. Wilson was understandably devastated and made it known how important this opportunity was for him and to now be on the shelf.
“It’s very frustrating,” Wilson said last weekend at BayCare Ballpark. “I spent a lot of time this offseason getting my body in the best shape possible. Just a freak accident. I didn’t feel anything before, so, like, nothing warning me. Disappointment, I would say, is the biggest word. It sucks. I was really looking forward to starting the year. I felt really good about breaking with the team.”
The 30-year-old was looking to join the club’s 26-man roster on Opening Day and now faces at least the next month a and half sidelined. Wilson debuted for the Phillies in 2023 and has had his moments in the sun, including his first career cycle and the 10th in Phillies history. Wilson may not be on the roster on Opening Day, but he will still have plenty of chances to contribute to the major league club as he already looks forward to working his way back.
“Already been rehabbing,” Wilson said. “Gonna come back stronger and healthier, ready to play this year and help this team win ballgames. I want to win a World Series.”
An opportunity will present itself to Wilson once he heals and is ready to man the outfield again. There’s no guarantee he’ll hold one of the roster spots once he returns, but what Wilson does benefit from is the Phillies’ desire to have a right-handed hitting outfielder. He’ll be determined to work his way back and prove he’s worthy of a roster spot.
