Philadelphia Phillies release Whit Merrifield, recall Weston Wilson

In a surprise move, the Philadelphia Phillies released one of their major free-agent signings just before the All-Star break.

The team announced before Friday’s game against the Oakland Athletics that it released utility player Whit Merrifield.

To fill his spot, infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

During the offseason, Merrifield agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract with the Phillies. His contract was in the form of a $7 million salary this year and a $1 million buyout or an $8 million club option for 2025.

Merrifield, 35, gave the Phillies some flexibility, as he made 20 starts in left field, 12 at second base and eight at third base.

But he batted just .199 with eight extra-base hits, including three homers, in 174 plate appearances.

Merrifield is ex-Wilmington Blue Rocks player

Merrifield starred for the Advanced Class A Wilmington Blue Rocks in 2011 and 2012, smacking 50 doubles and stealing 49 bases in 227 games during his climb through the Kansas City system.

During eight years with Kansas City and Toronto, Merrifield batted .284, led the AL in stolen bases three times and hits twice, and was a three-time All-Star.

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But Merrifield was not able to replicate that success with the Phillies, where he hoped to provide some depth and versatility for a team with World Series aspirations.

Wilson, 29, who can also play in both the infield and outfield, played two games with the Phillies in June after eight last year in which he hit .313 with a homer in his first big-league at-bat.

He has batted .315 with 10 homers, 20 RBIs and a 1.186 OPS with the IronPigs. He was International League Player of the Week July 1 after hitting four homers with a 1.417 OPS over six games.