Seeking a spark for their struggling offense, the Philadelphia Phillies decided to bench All-Star third baseman for Game 2 of the National League Division Series.
Despite being healthy, he was benched following a rough Game 1 against the New York Mets, where he went 0-for-4 and showed visible frustration after one of his empty at-bats. Edmundo Sosa is starting at third base, facing Mets pitcher Luis Severino.
“I wanted to bring some energy into the lineup with Sosa. He’s kind of our energy guy,” manager Rob Thomson explained before Game 2. “Bohm hasn’t been swinging well, but he’s not alone. He’s frustrated, but I wanted to give Sosa a shot.”
Bohm, who batted .280 with 15 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 44 doubles during the season, struggled toward the end, closing the regular season with a 2-for-27 slump. Against Severino, Bohm is 0-for-3 in limited appearances. His postseason stats show a .222 average (24-for-108), with two home runs and 14 RBIs across 31 games.
Sosa, hitting .257 with seven homers and 31 RBIs in 90 games this season, is known for his lively presence. “He brings energy on the field, and I think he boosts others around him,” Thomson noted. “That’s what we need right now.”
The Phillies are looking for more than just energy. Their star-studded lineup needs to come alive. All-Star shortstop Trea Turner is especially struggling, going 0-for-16 in the postseason since last year’s NLCS against the Diamondbacks. Right fielder Nick Castellanos broke his postseason hitless streak with a single in Game 1, his first hit since last year’s NLCS Game 2.
The Game 1 loss to the Mets was marked by missed opportunities at the plate, squandering a strong performance from ace Zack Wheeler, who allowed only one hit over seven scoreless innings. However, the bullpen faltered in the eighth, costing them the game.
For Game 2, second baseman Bryson Stott has been moved up to fifth in the lineup, while Sosa bats eighth. Thomson emphasized that the change was solely about replacing a slumping hitter. “As far as a wake-up call, no. These guys know what’s at stake. I don’t think they need a wake-up call,” he added.
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