Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson is making a bold move ahead of Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the New York Mets. In an effort to shake up his struggling lineup, Thomson will bench All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm, replacing him with Edmundo Sosa, who will bat eighth on Sunday.
Bohm, who has been mired in a brutal slump, went 0-for-4 in the Phillies’ Game 1 loss to the Mets. His recent struggles are hard to ignore—since a four-hit game on September 20 against the same Mets team, Bohm has gone just 2-for-31 at the plate. The 28-year-old has been hitting .170 since returning from the injured list in September, where he spent time sidelined due to a left hand strain.
“I want to get some energy in the lineup,” Thomson explained, referencing Sosa as a spark plug. “He’s kind of our energy guy. Bohmer, he’s not swinging the bat particularly well, but he’s not the only one. He’s frustrated.”
Alec Bohm not in Sunday's lineup vs. #Mets. Edmundo Sosa at 3B #Phillies. "I wanna get some energy in the lineup with Sosa," Rob Thomson said. "He's kind of our energy guy. Bohm is not swinging the bat particularly well but he's not the the only one." https://t.co/q1ACRubQ3a
— kevin tresolini (@kevintresolini) October 6, 2024
Sosa, 28, has provided solid production this season, batting .257 with seven home runs and a career-high 31 RBIs in 90 games. Known more for his defensive prowess, Sosa’s versatility has often given the Phillies a jolt when needed, and Thomson is banking on that energy to help even the series against a tough Mets team.
Thomson added that while Bohm is sitting for Game 2, he is still part of the team’s plan for the series. “I told him to be ready to pinch-hit on Sunday,” Thomson said, expressing optimism that Bohm will return to the lineup for Game 3, especially with the Mets planning to start left-hander Sean Manaea.
Bohm’s overall numbers for the season still reflect his value to the Phillies. He posted a .280 average, with 15 home runs and 97 RBIs over 143 games, earning his first All-Star selection in 2024. Despite the recent slump, Bohm remains a key piece of the Phillies’ lineup, and the team is hopeful he can rediscover his form when his number is called.
With the Phillies trailing 1-0 in the series, Thomson’s lineup change signals a sense of urgency, as Philadelphia looks to avoid falling into a deeper hole against a tough Mets squad.
