PHILADELPHIA — Sometime Saturday night, not long enough for the sting of a Game 1 loss to dissipate, Rob Thomson texted Alec Bohm. The Phillies manager had to tell him once he knew for sure.
Bohm, one of the team’s best run producers during the season, was being benched for Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the New York Mets. Edmundo Sosa is starting at third base. It’s a rare move by Thomson, who will tweak his lineup whenever there is a platoon advantage to gain. But in this case, Sosa is a righty hitter facing a righty starter in Luis Severino.
Bohm went 0-for-4 in Game 1. He saw a mere seven pitches in those four at-bats. He batted cleanup for much of the year but moved down to fifth in the season’s final weekend. That is where he hit in Game 1. It was the first sign the Phillies were concerned about the 28-year-old’s current state.
“He’s scuffling a little bit,” Thomson said. “It’s not like there aren’t other guys scuffling in the lineup. But I just wanted to get some energy in the lineup. And I think Sosa is kind of our energy guy. Run around and do some things. Maybe create some things.”
Bohm came into Thomson’s office Sunday morning to discuss the decision further. “He wants to play no doubt,” Thomson said. “But he’s a pro.” Thomson told Bohm to be ready to pinch hit. He’ll probably have a chance to later in the game.
Thomson takes pride in his steadiness. But this could be perceived in the clubhouse as a hint of panic. Thomson disagreed with that notion. Bohm, an All-Star starter, hit .280/.332/.448 in the regular season. He missed two weeks in September with a hand injury, but Thomson repeatedly said Sunday that Bohm is healthy. He has not appeared on the team’s injury reports.
Bohm has not hidden his frustration. He slammed his helmet after another failed at-bat Saturday afternoon.
“He is frustrated,” Thomson said. “I get it. But you have to keep playing.”
(Photo: Bill Streicher / Imagn Images)
