PHILADELPHIA— The future of Kody Clemens is starting to become a little unclear in Philadelphia.
There has not been a lot of opportunity for the Philadelphia Phillies’ utilityman, just four weeks into the regular season. Clemens has been a part of huge moments for the Phillies in years past, but his role on the team has seemingly vanished.
Due to his left-handed swing, Clemens has suffered due to the saturation of options the Phillies have on their active roster. When a lefty would seemingly get an opportunity, that often goes to one of the regulars. After entering Friday’s game for Nick Castellanos, it marks just 6 plate appearances on the season for Clemens.
It begs the question: What is next for Kody Clemens?
Clemens on His Role
Kody Clemens’ role on the Phillies is to provide when needed. He is an option that Rob Thomson has at his disposal for when an opportunity presents itself. In 2025, those opportunities have been hard to come by. I asked Clemens his thoughts on his role with the club and the impact it could have.
“Yeah, I mean, I’d be lying to you if [I told you] it’s not a tough role, but it’s an important role. If you come up clutch at the end of a game to help the team win, it’s massive. [I am] just trying to stay as prepared as possible. I have been in this role for the past few seasons, so I know what to expect and just have to be as ready as I can to produce off the bench.”
Clemens has not gotten a start yet in the 2025 season, and with Weston Wilson nearing a return, his spot on the roster might be in jeopardy.
Rob Thomson spoke with the media before Friday night’s game about Wilson’s status.
“Today he’ll play 9 [innings] at first base, tomorrow DH for a full game, [and] Sunday he will play left field.”
Thomson would later detail that Wilson is not an option in center field for the Phillies. This could be beneficial for Johan Rojas, who would potentially be the other player on the bubble when Wilson is ready. Rojas has options to the minor leagues; Kody Clemens does not.
Fuzzy Future
With a roster decision looming for the Phillies, it is not clear what Kody Clemens’ future will be in Philadelphia. If the team decides to take him off the roster, he must be waived and designated for assignment. At that point, any team can claim him and add him to their active roster. If he passes through waivers, he will be assigned to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
If Kody does hang onto a roster spot when Wilson is activated, it will buy him additional time. Barring an injury to the Phillies, the feeling is that Clemens is not going to get many opportunities to play. As his future remains cloudy, there is no doubt that Kody Clemens wants to contribute. He is happy in his role and understands what is required of him.
Time will tell his fate, but for now, the Phillies’ infielder is ready to make an impact.
Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
