The Philadelphia Phillies decided to option utility player Weston Wilson to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday. Buddy Kennedy has been called up from Triple-A. Additionally, Aaron Nola was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room for Kennedy on the Phillies’ 40-man roster. Nola can return from the injured list on July 14. According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Kennedy had an upward mobility clause in his contract, which he used. Gelb noted this as the reason why the Phillies promoted Kennedy.
Today the Phillies selected the contract of INF Buddy Kennedy from Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room on the 26-man roster, INF/OF Weston Wilson was optioned to LHV following last night’s game. To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Aaron Nola was transferred to the 60-day IL.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 19, 2025
Wilson being optioned is an overdue move by the team. This season, he has a .194/.310/.278 line with one home run and four RBI in 22 games. Wilson has a 73 wRC+ and a .273 BABIP. He also has a career worst 31.0% strikeout rate along with a 14.3% walk rate. Meanwhile, Kennedy has a .283/.388/.447 line with eight home runs and 40 RBI in 61 minor league games this year, along with a 126 wRC+ and a .313 BABIP. He has a 15.3% strikeout rate and an 11.6% walk rate.
Phillies Option Weston Wilson to Triple-A
Impact On The Outfield
Max Kepler will now likely start in left field against left-handed starting pitchers. Kepler and Wilson had been platooning in left field. The optioning of Wilson could also lead to Otto Kemp or Edmundo Sosa appearing in the outfield. Kennedy has not appeared in the outfield in Triple-A this season after playing there during spring training. Sosa has made a start in left field this season, and Kemp has made multiple appearances there in the minor leagues.
Starting Rotation Effects
Mick Abel is in line to be in the rotation until at least July 14 now. Abel has a 2-0 record with a 2.21 ERA in four major league starts this year. Additionally, he has a 4.05 FIP and a 4.25 K/BB rate, along with a 1.033 WHIP and a 1.33 HR/9 allowed rate. Nola is effectively out through at least the All-Star break at this point. Abel will probably be in the rotation through at least the end of July, the way things are trending. Nola will likely need to go on a minor league rehab assignment before returning.
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