Phillies release Whit Merrifield

The Philadelphia Phillies released struggling utility player Whit Merrifield, the team announced Wednesday.

Merrifield, signed by the Phillies in the offseason, slashed a disappointing .199/.277/.295 in 53 games with the club. He's reportedly still owed $3.4 million on his contract, per Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The Phillies promoted utility man Weston Wilson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move.

Merrifield, 35, made his third career All-Star appearance in 2023 as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. He owns a career .281/.328./.415 slash line with 212 stolen bases across nine MLB seasons.

Philadelphia enters Friday with the league's best record at 61-32.