[ad_1]
PHILADELPHIA – Phillies manager Rob Thomson made one of the boldest moves in his nearly three-year tenure as manager on Sunday, benching starting third baseman Alec Bohm for Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the New York Mets.
Utility player Edmundo Sosa will start at third base in Bohm’s place.
The Phillies lost the opening game of the series, 6-2, and need to win Sunday to avoid going to New York down 0-2 and facing elimination in the best-of-5 series.
“I wanted to get some energy in the lineup with Sosa, he’s kind of our energy guy,” said Thomson. “Bohmer’s not swinging the bat particularly well, but he’s not the only one. He’s frustrated, but I just wanted to get Sosa in.”
Bohm was second on the Phillies to Kyle Schwarber with 97 RBI this season despite missing several weeks in September with a hand injury. He was the cleanup hitter most of the year and batted fifth on Saturday,
Overall, Bohm slashed .280/.332/.448 in 143 games and hit .301/.365/.534 with runners in scoring position. He was selected to his first All-Star team as the National League’s starting third baseman.
Bohm did struggle down the stretch, hitting just .170 in September and his frustration showed. He was 0-for-4 Saturday and grounded out with two on and two out in the eighth inning.
Sosa hit .257/,313/.422 this year and had a successful stint as the starting shortstop when Trea Turner was on the injured list for six weeks. But he also struggled in September, hitting .154.
Thomson said he wasn’t concerned that the decision would be viewed as a panic move and wasn’t trying to send a message.
“I do what I think is the best thing for the ballclub on a daily basis,” said Thomson. “I think these guys are well aware of what needs to be done. They don’t need a wake-up call for sure.”
Thomson said Bohm will be back in the lineup for Game 3 of the series in New York Tuesday where the Mets are expected to start lefty Sean Manaea. The right-hand hitting Bohm hits .287 with six home runs and 32 RBI against lefties.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.
Bill Evans can be reached at [email protected].
[ad_2]
Source link
