Weston Wilson earning more playing time with Phillies even when Austin Hays returns
Wilson has stepped up and been a big contributor, earning more playing time even with Hays due back from the IL.
Roster construction can make or break a team’s chances for success. Whether it's regular season fun or postseason chaos, players have to prove their worth on a roster. That’s even more true when that team is the Philadelphia Phillies, who are 74-53 and currently fending off the Braves from the division crown, per Brooke Destra of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
This Phillies team has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to talent. Their platoon and bench positions can't really be any different. They won’t be starting over the everyday stars, but they need to be able to produce when their number is called.
Weston Wilson earning more playing time with Phillies even when Austin Hays returns
Weston Wilson has been a breath of fresh air since his season debut on June 9. In 50 at-bats, he is hitting .340/.358/.620, with a .978 OPS. In just the 20 games so far he has hit three home runs and driven in seven runs. Rob Thomson also shared his thoughts on Wilson's workload after his first career cycle.
“I think he’ll get at-bats against left handed pitching for sure," Thomson said. "And pinch hitter off the bench. He can run the base, he can steal a base. He’s got a lot of quality.”
"Think he's going to be a really crucial part to this team." 👀
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) August 22, 2024
Weston Wilson has had some big time moments since being recalled on July 12th, and it's been noticed by Rob Thomson and Bryce Harper. | @WapnerNewman pic.twitter.com/mrUsoMFts8
Austin Hays is also set to come back off the IL from a hamstring strain that has sidelined him since Aug. 9. Since he was traded at the deadline, Hays was being utilized as the every day left fielder until the injury. Wilson has since stepped up and given Phillies fans a memory of something that hasn't been seen in Philadelphia in 20 years, per MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. In his six games since Hays’ injury, Wilson is batting .476/.500/.857.
Hays has only played 10 games for the Phillies so far and is 10 for 38, good for a .263 batting average.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson has had his work cut out for him this year when it comes to injuries and the respective replacements. Much of the Phillies starting lineup has missed time at some point and trying to find the perfect substitution is never simple. Wilson deserves a chance to remain in the lineup somehow even with Hays returning. Phillies fans have liked what they've seen, so why not go with the hot hand.
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