The Philadelphia Phillies received some rough news on July 19 as their starting third baseman, Alec Bohm, was sent to the injured list with a left rib fracture. As a result, a familiar face was seen the next day in the clubhouse and on the field at Citizens Bank Park. Philadelphia re-called utility man, Weston Wilson, from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
While losing a middle-of-the-order bat is never good, it is rare that a playoff club can turn to a guy they are so familiar with and a guy who has had the type of success that Wilson has had. I mean, when is the last time you saw a club lose their starting third baseman and get to call up a guy who hit for the cycle in the majors less than a year ago, and has a 30 HR-30 SB season in the minors under his belt? Oh, and he can play all over the field.
That’s what the Phillies get in calling up Wilson. Still, despite his prior success, it’s not easy to stick around on a roster filled with superstars like Philadelphia’s. “I mean, the fact that somebody can go down and somebody like him just comes right back up,” Nick Castellanos told me about being able to turn to a guy like Weston. “You know, if he’s not in this organization, he’s probably an everyday player on so many other teams.”
Wilson’s return to CBP
On the afternoon of July 21, Wilson was walking off the field having just finished chasing down balls in the outfield during batting practice and pregame drills. Prior to that, despite playing 88 of his 103 big league innings in the outfield to that point in 2025, he took ground balls in the infield to stay sharp. He knows his time in the big leagues isn’t guaranteed – that was proven just a month prior to his latest call-up on June 19.
After struggling to start the season in the majors, Weston was optioned to Lehigh Valley to see if he could figure some things out, and to get more at-bats. I spoke with Wilson back on July 21 about his mindset this time around, and the clubhouse and culture Philadelphia has built has helped make it easier:
“They’ve always been (welcoming) for me and I think that, if you’re a good teammate, they’re gonna welcome you with open arms. I think that’s what I’ve taken pride in, is trying to be the best teammate I can possibly be.” Wilson expanded on what that means both here and throughout the organization. “You know, not complaining about things, playing my butt off when I get the opportunities, and helping other guys with some perspective. All these different things I think play a big role, and I think you have to have a balance of that in the clubhouse. To have them welcoming me back every time I’m here is awesome.”
While Wilson has mostly played the outfield in previous tenures, and primarily platooned in left field with a left-handed pitcher on the mound, he works hard all over the field. His manager, Rob Thomson, notices the work he puts in. “He always stays ready, you know, he prepares,” Thomson told me on July 21. “I can put him out anywhere on defense – he’s a good piece to have.”
Topper has taken full advantage of that flexibility in the brief time Wilson has been back with the club. Philadelphia has played 14 games since Wilson was recalled, he’s appeared in six of them. Pinch runner, second baseman, left fielder, first baseman, as a starter or a sub – Weston has done a lot in a short time to maximize his value to the team. He spent a month back in Triple-A, knowing that he would have a different role whenever he got the call to come back to the big leagues.
Hard work, not doubting your ability – but instead trusting the process. Wilson told me one of the biggest things that has helped him the most is to “give himself grace,” knowing full well that he may be asked to do the same things from level-to-level, but his determination and passion for preparation can shine through.
“Every time I’ve been in the big leagues, it has never been in an everyday role. So that’s something that I’ve had to learn how to do over the years,” the 30-year-old explained. “Just looking forward to your role, preparing throughout the week, power shagging in the outfield to tuned up, continuing to get ground balls… I do all of it and, honestly, it’s the same thing I’ve been doing the last few years.
I’ve learned that mental preparation of, ‘OK, they got these guys in the bullpen. At this point in the game, I go in and prepare – kind of game plan. It’s one of the hardest jobs in the game and you got to make some fun with it.”
Outfield shuffle
That preparation and grace-giving came to fruition on the field this past week. Monday against the Orioles, he drove in a run in the sixth and would come around to score on Kyle Schwarber‘s grand slam – the Phillies doing all their damage in the frame with two outs. Later, he hit his first big league home run in three months. Both hits came off right-handed relievers. He even moved from left field to first base, showing his versatility.
His manager showed faith in him, and a few others, to stay in the game despite no longer holding the platoon advantage. They all delivered, especially Wilson.
“Wes is a gangster, man,” his outfield compatriot Brandon Marsh told me in a complimentary manner. “It just shows you what kind of player Weston is and what he can be. He’s such a great human, a great brother of mine that always uplifts me and supports me when I’m out there.
That’s the kind of guy you want on your side. He’s a gamer, comes and works his tail off every single day, and he may not get the (playing time) that he wants, just because it’s such a tough line up to be out there with the amazing guys that we have, but you put him on 15-20 other teams and he’s playing every day… he handles it well. He’s awesome.”
Over the weekend, Wislon hit a double off the American League’s best pitcher, Tarik Skubal – just the second Phillies hit recorded vs. the AL Cy Young favorite. While he would be stranded there, the offense picked up the following frame and Philly would go on to win.
Since being re-called, Wilson has raised his average by 33 points. His recent success (3-for-8, 2B, HR, BB) is coming at an opportune time. After the team acquired outfielder Harrison Bader at the trade deadline, Rob Thomson told reporters that they would platoon the outfielders in left and center field during the six-game homestand. He has stuck to his word, despite each man seemingly stepping up to the challenge. The manager will make a decision on the plan forward tomorrow.
Wednesday’s game, the series finale versus Baltimore and the last of said homestand, has Wilson starting in left field against a left-handed starter – filling the role he always has at the major league level. In what may be his last audition for a regular spot on the roster the remainder of the season – a season filled with uncomfortable moments for Wilson – his final chance comes in the position he’s most comfortable.
Weston cannot control what Rob Thomson decides on Thursday regarding the outfield situation and playing time. But he has learned to control the things he’s able to: work hard, stay positive, be a good teammate, and continue to play like he has all week – with a chip on his shoulder.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
