The Philadelphia Phillies made a notable lineup adjustment on Sunday ahead of Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the New York Mets. Manager Rob Thomson chose to bench third baseman Alec Bohm, opting instead to start Edmundo Sosa in a crucial playoff game at Citizens Bank Park.
Bohm, who was named to the NL All-Star team this season, has been a staple in the Phillies’ lineup, driving in 97 runs and primarily serving as the cleanup hitter behind star slugger Bryce Harper. But Thomson said that Bohm’s recent slump led him to make the switch, hoping that Sosa could inject some energy into the lineup.
“He’s scuffling a little bit,” Thomson explained. “It’s not like there aren’t other guys scuffling in the lineup, but I just want to get some energy in the lineup. And I think Sosa is kind of an energy guy; run around and do some things, maybe create some things.”
A Difficult Decision for Thomson
Thomson has typically shown patience with his hitters, even during rough patches. Last postseason, he stuck with several key players through prolonged struggles to show his confidence and avoid the appearance of panic. But his decision to bench Bohm on Sunday signals that he’s willing to make changes if he believes it gives the team a better chance to win against a tough Mets pitching staff.
Bohm’s slump has been hard to overlook. The 27-year-old third baseman finished the regular season with a respectable .283 batting average but has struggled mightily at the plate in recent weeks. He has just two hits in his last 24 at-bats, and his struggles were magnified in Game 1, where he went 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts.
“He’s a big part of this team, and we’re going to need him,” Thomson said. “But right now, it’s about giving him a breather and trying to put the best lineup out there.”
Why Sosa?
Thomson’s decision to turn to Edmundo Sosa is based as much on the veteran’s energy as it is on Bohm’s struggles. Sosa, who has served as a utility infielder for the Phillies, brings defensive versatility and speed that Bohm lacks. His presence at third base also tightens up the infield defensively, an area where the Phillies have been inconsistent throughout the season.
Sosa’s bat may not be as potent as Bohm’s when the latter is at his best, but Sosa has proven himself to be a reliable contact hitter. In 80 games this season, Sosa hit .267 with six home runs and 32 RBIs. He also adds the element of speed, making him a threat on the basepaths.
“Energy is a big thing in the postseason,” Thomson emphasized. “Sometimes, that can be the spark that gets us going.”
Phillies Searching for Offensive Answers
The Phillies’ lineup as a whole has been in a bit of a funk. They dropped Game 1 to the Mets in a 4-1 loss, mustering just four hits against New York’s pitching staff. Bryce Harper was the lone bright spot, driving in the team’s only run, but the rest of the lineup struggled to put together quality at-bats.
Bohm’s struggles are just one piece of a larger puzzle. Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto have also been inconsistent lately, leaving Thomson with few options to shake things up offensively. The Phillies hope that by inserting Sosa, they can generate some much-needed momentum heading into the later games of the series.
Despite being benched for Game 2, Bohm is expected to remain a key figure in the Phillies’ plans for the rest of the series. Thomson reiterated that this is likely a temporary move, aimed at giving the young infielder a chance to clear his head and reset for the remaining games.
“We need Alec,” Thomson said. “He’s a big part of what we’ve done all year and what we’re going to do going forward. But it’s about finding the right spots for guys and making sure everybody’s in the best position to succeed.”
The Phillies will be hoping that a little time off will allow Bohm to find his swing again. If the series extends beyond Game 3, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him back in the starting lineup, ready to contribute as Philadelphia pushes for a deep postseason run.