All Star Utility Man Fails To Find Fit In Philadelphia

Whit Merrifield Released by Phillies After Disappointing Stint

All-Star Utility Man Fails to Find Fit in Philadelphia

Former All-Star departs after just 144 games, leaving Phillies with no regrets

From the moment he arrived in Philadelphia, Whit Merrifield's tenure with the Phillies was destined to be a short one. The cost of doing business, as the old saying goes, and in the end, all 144 days of Merrifield's time in the City of Brotherly Love proved to be just that.

An All-Star at two different stops before joining the Phillies, Merrifield arrived in Philadelphia with high hopes. But the fit was never quite right, and the results were never there. Now, after just half a season, Merrifield is gone, released by the Phillies on Friday afternoon.

The Phillies announced the move in a brief statement, thanking Merrifield for his contributions and wishing him well in the future. Merrifield's departure opens up a roster spot for Weston Wilson, who was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Wilson, a former top prospect, has been hitting well in the minors and could provide the Phillies with a much-needed boost off the bench.