It's been a week and a half since the Philadelphia Phillies officially opened training camp. With spring training one of the most dangerous times of the season for players getting back into the swing of things, they've somehow avoided any injuries. That is, until now.
On Friday during his daily briefing, manager Rob Thomson told media that Weston Wilson "felt a grab in his oblique" while taking swings in the batting cage, as reported by Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
The severity of the injury wasn't known at the time, but oblique injuries can be tough to come back from quickly. Even a mild strain will set Wilson back, with games about to get underway. The 30-year-old utility player came into camp looking to win one of the final spots on the Opening Day roster.
Spring training injury to Weston Wilson could have Opening Day roster ramifications for Phillies
Presumed to be the frontrunner before anyone even showed up to camp in mid-February, Wilson is up against Kody Clemens and Buddy Kennedy as his biggest competition. If an injury forces him to miss much time over the next month, it could cost him a spot on the 26-man roster when the Phillies head north to begin the regular season.
The Phillies appeared high on Wilson last week. During his first press conference of the spring, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski dropped a big hint that Wilson had an inside track for the final bench spot.
"We think Weston Wilson sort of gets swept on the side," Dombrowski said. "He's done a nice job for us when we've given him the opportunity, and he can play the infield and outfield."
Being the most versatile of the top contenders gives Wilson an edge, despite having a minor league option remaining.
"That person who'd be out there [in the final spot] if [Johan] Rojas makes the team, would also need to be able to play infield," Dombrowski said.
Now, Wilson's versatility might not even be a factor in the team's final roster decision. If he's sidelined for too long or ends up having to begin the season on the 10-day IL, it leaves an opening for Clemens or Kennedy, both out of options, to get a chance in the big leagues to begin the year.
In his limited time with the Phillies, Wilson has been productive. He played in 41 games last year, hitting .284 with an .836 OPS in 98 plate appearances. He hit three home runs, drove in 10, scored 13 runs and added three stolen bases. He also collected the 10th cycle in Phillies history.
Wilson was scheduled to be in the Phillies' lineup for their Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland. Now we'll have to want and see how severe his injury is and whether it will impact his chances of making the team at the end of March.
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