Philadelphia Phillies DFA Veteran Infielder
Clemens, 28, had been used sparingly this season, going hitless in six at-bats across seven games, mostly as a pinch-hitter.
Without any remaining minor league options, the Phillies were left with no choice but to DFA Clemens, exposing him to waivers or a potential trade.
Prior to today’s game against the New York Mets, the Phillies returned INF/OF Weston Wilson from his rehab assignment with Lehigh Valley (AAA) and reinstated him from the 10-day IL. To make room for him on the 26-man roster, INF/OF Kody Clemens was designated for assignment.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 23, 2025
Clemens, the son of seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens, was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in a January 2023 trade alongside reliever Gregory Soto.
While he showed occasional power and versatility — playing multiple infield and outfield positions — his overall numbers with Philadelphia were modest.
Over parts of two seasons, Clemens hit .220 with nine home runs and 31 RBIs in 97 games. Across four big league seasons, he holds a career .197 batting average and a .611 OPS in 402 plate appearances.
Kody Clemens, you will not be forgotten pic.twitter.com/tthPhieZJT
— Isaac (@philly_isaac) April 23, 2025
His replacement, Wilson, returns after missing time with a strained left oblique that sidelined him since spring training.
A right-handed bat, Wilson gives the Phillies a better platoon option, particularly against left-handed pitching. “He actually wanted to play catch today,” manager Rob Thomson said of pitcher Cristopher Sánchez, who exited his last start early due to forearm tightness — an issue that, unlike Clemens’ roster status, doesn’t appear to be serious.
Wilson will likely see more consistent playing time than Clemens, especially as the Phillies try to balance a lefty-heavy lineup.
Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
