As the Philadelphia Phillies battle the Atlanta Braves in the first game of a crucial four-game weekend series, they face more than just a tough opponent. The team may be holding its breath after third baseman Alec Bohm appeared to suffer a troubling injury during his first-inning at-bat.
Trailing 1-0 early, the Phillies’ anxiety heightened when Bohm fouled off a 2-2 fastball from Braves’ starter Charlie Morton. The impact caused Bohm to drop his bat and immediately start shaking his left hand and arm in evident pain. Despite the discomfort, Bohm remained in the game to complete his at-bat, grounding out to former Phillies infielder Whit Merrifield. His groundout did advance Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber to second and third, respectively.
Bohm, who has been a linchpin in the Phillies’ lineup this season, continued to play defense in the top of the second inning. However, he was noticeably absent from the bottom of the inning, with Edmundo Sosa taking over at third base. The official diagnosis of Bohm’s injury is “left hand discomfort.”
Alec Bohm is now out of the game. The Phillies have stranded two runners in each of the first two innings, all reached via walk or HBP. Not a fun start to this series.
— Troy Brock (@TroyBBaseball) August 29, 2024
Bohm’s Impact and the Team’s Concerns
Alec Bohm’s injury comes at a particularly inopportune time for the Phillies. The third baseman has been a key contributor throughout the season, both offensively and defensively. Known previously for his struggles at the hot corner, Bohm has transformed into a reliable defender this year, ranking 8th in MLB among qualifying third basemen with eight Outs Above Average, according to Baseball Savant. His defensive turnaround has been a revelation for the Phillies, adding substantial value to their lineup.
Offensively, Bohm has been a steady presence, providing consistency in the middle of the Phillies’ order. His potential absence could have a significant impact on the team’s performance, especially as they push for a strong finish to the regular season and a playoff berth.
The Latest Updates
The Phillies’ medical staff acted quickly, and Bohm has already undergone x-rays, which have fortunately returned negative. While this news is somewhat reassuring, the team will likely monitor his condition closely to determine the extent of the injury and whether he will miss additional time.
With the Phillies facing the Braves in this pivotal series, losing Bohm for any period could shift the team’s dynamics. The Phillies will need to assess how best to fill his role, both in the field and at the plate, as they look to maintain their competitive edge.
What’s Next for the Phillies?
The Phillies’ immediate focus will be on managing Bohm’s injury and determining his availability for the remainder of the series. As they continue to battle the Braves, the team’s depth and adaptability will be tested. The hope is that Bohm’s injury will not be severe enough to sideline him for a prolonged period, but if he is forced to miss significant time, the Phillies will need to adjust their lineup and defensive strategies accordingly.
Stay tuned for further updates on Bohm’s condition and how the Phillies plan to navigate this challenge as they strive for a successful finish to their season.
