As the final month of the 2025 MLB season begins, the Philadelphia Phillies seem to have finalized their roster for the playoff push. With catcher Garrett Stubbs returning and reliever Tim Mayza joining the team via waivers, the Phillies have filled out their 28-man squad for September.
Still, not everything is running smoothly. A few players on the team continue to struggle, and with only weeks left in the regular season, their performances remain a concern. Let’s take a look at three underperforming Phillies who could be on shaky ground as the stretch run begins.
These are all players who could lose playing time or even see their tenure with the organization at risk going forward.
3 disappointing Phillies on thin ice over the final month of the season
Weston Wilson, UTL
After a strong showing with the Phillies in 2024, Weston Wilson entered this season with hopes of solidifying his role as a reliable utility option off the bench. Defensively, he’s been dependable—logging time at five different positions, including a surprising appearance on the mound, and committing just one error across 34 games in the field. But his offensive production has been underwhelming, with a lackluster .214 batting average and a .666 OPS to go along with nine runs, three home runs, and 11 RBIs in 39 games.
Wilson did enjoy a brief resurgence after his July call-up, particularly in early August, finishing the month with a .250 average, .773 OPS, two homers, and seven RBIs in 14 games. Still, with the Phillies’ core lineup mostly healthy and a set four-man outfield rotation that doesn’t include him, his chances to contribute offensively may be limited down the stretch.
Given that Edmundo Sosa has locked down the primary utility infield role and Wilson will be out of minor league options next year, his long-term place on the roster is uncertain. He’ll need to make the most of any opportunities that come his way as the Phillies gear up for a critical final push toward the postseason.
Nick Castellanos, OF
For a player who’s been a fixture in the Phillies’ lineup in recent years—playing all 162 games in 2024—Nick Castellanos is now facing a potentially sharp decline in role. The former All-Star got off to a solid start in 2025, but his offensive performance has taken a serious nosedive since August began.
The 33-year-old struggled mightily last month, hitting just .180 with a .510 OPS, adding only two doubles, two home runs, and three RBIs across 24 games. If the trend continues, Castellanos is on track for his worst offensive season in three years.
Philadelphia has moved to a four-man outfield rotation featuring Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, Max Kepler, and Harrison Bader. Tensions surfaced recently when Castellanos expressed frustration after being subbed out for a defensive replacement—something rarely done during his time with the team. Although manager Rob Thomson addressed the issue publicly, the veteran’s lack of production at the plate could lead to even more time on the bench, not just in the field.
With the postseason race heating up, Castellanos may be at risk of seeing further reductions in playing time. If his slump continues, the situation could become even more complicated in the weeks ahead.
Jordan Romano, RHP
Lastly, there’s Jordan Romano, one of the Phillies’ high-profile offseason acquisitions and a former All-Star closer brought in to replace the departed Carlos Estévez. What was expected to be a stabilizing presence at the back end of the bullpen has instead turned into one of the season’s biggest letdowns.
Romano has struggled with inconsistency and poor execution throughout the year, resulting in a disappointing 2–4 record, an alarming 8.23 ERA, and a 1.45 WHIP. Over 49 relief outings, he’s surrendered 39 earned runs and 10 home runs in just 42 2/3 innings. His most recent stretch was particularly brutal, as he was shelled in three of his last four appearances before being sidelined with right middle finger inflammation.
The Phillies were counting on Romano to be a difference-maker in their pursuit of a World Series title. While the injury may offer him a much-needed chance to reset both physically and mentally, time is running out. If he returns later this month, he’ll be on a very short leash. Romano will have to show immediate improvement to earn back trust—and a spot on the postseason roster.
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