Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm is not in the starting lineup for Sunday’s Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Mets, with Edmundo Sosa stepping in.
Manager Rob Thomson said the move was about adding “some energy” to the lineup, given Bohm’s recent struggles at the plate.
“He’s kind of our energy guy,” Thomson said of Sosa. “Bohm’s not swinging the bat particularly well, but he’s not the only one. He’s frustrated. I just wanted to get Sosa in there.”
Bohm, who went 0-for-4 in the Phillies’ 6-2 loss in Game 1, showed his frustration in the eighth inning, slamming his helmet after grounding out. His struggles have been evident for a while. Since returning from the injured list on September 15, he’s hit just .170 with a .502 OPS in his final 49 plate appearances. He’s also 0-for-3 this season against Mets starter Luis Severino, who will take the mound for Game 2.
Asked if the lineup switch might be seen as a sign of panic after dropping Game 1, Thomson shrugged off the suggestion. “I really don’t worry about what other people necessarily think or see,” he said. “I do what I think is the best thing for the ball club on a daily basis.”
Thomson said Bohm would be back in the lineup for Game 3 against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea at Citi Field. But for Game 2, the manager opted to go with Sosa, a better defender, who hit .257 in a reserve role this season with a .631 OPS. While Sosa has only five extra-base hits since August, Thomson is banking on his energy and defensive skills to help even the series.
“I know Bohm’s frustrated because he wants to produce, and he’s a professional,” Thomson said. “But he’ll get his chance again on Tuesday.”
Manager Rob Thomson said the move was about adding “some energy” to the lineup, given Bohm’s recent struggles at the plate.
“He’s kind of our energy guy,” Thomson said of Sosa. “Bohm’s not swinging the bat particularly well, but he’s not the only one. He’s frustrated. I just wanted to get Sosa in there.”
Bohm, who went 0-for-4 in the Phillies’ 6-2 loss in Game 1, showed his frustration in the eighth inning, slamming his helmet after grounding out. His struggles have been evident for a while. Since returning from the injured list on September 15, he’s hit just .170 with a .502 OPS in his final 49 plate appearances. He’s also 0-for-3 this season against Mets starter Luis Severino, who will take the mound for Game 2.
Asked if the lineup switch might be seen as a sign of panic after dropping Game 1, Thomson shrugged off the suggestion. “I really don’t worry about what other people necessarily think or see,” he said. “I do what I think is the best thing for the ball club on a daily basis.”
Thomson said Bohm would be back in the lineup for Game 3 against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea at Citi Field. But for Game 2, the manager opted to go with Sosa, a better defender, who hit .257 in a reserve role this season with a .631 OPS. While Sosa has only five extra-base hits since August, Thomson is banking on his energy and defensive skills to help even the series.
“I know Bohm’s frustrated because he wants to produce, and he’s a professional,” Thomson said. “But he’ll get his chance again on Tuesday.”
The Phillies dropped the series opener on Saturday, 6-2. A win on Sunday isn't a requirement, but it's almost as close. A loss means the club would need to rattle off three straight wins, including a pair in New York at Citi Field.