Struggling third baseman Alec Bohm will return to the Philadelphia Phillies’ starting lineup on Tuesday for Game 3 against the New York Mets at Citi Field.
Bohm, who was named an All-Star this season, did not play in Game 2 at home on Sunday and was replaced by Edmundo Sosa, who had no hits in two at-bats. Bohm did come in as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning but also finished without a hit.
Philadelphia made a late comeback to win 7-6, tying the best-of-five series at one game each.
The Phillies practiced on Monday in Queens, and manager Rob Thomson confirmed that Bohm will play on Tuesday against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea.
“Oh yeah, he’s playing tomorrow. I think he’s in a good spot. He was just in there hitting in the cages and getting his work in. I’m not sure if he’s going to hit on the field today or not. But, yeah, I think he’s fine,” Thomson said.
Bohm missed time from August 30 to September 14 due to a strained left hand that put him on the injured list. He has only two hits in his last 34 at-bats.
This season, he had a batting average of .280 with 15 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 44 doubles, but he struggled toward the end of the season and finished with just two hits in his last 28 at-bats.
In Game 1, he went 0 for 4 against the Mets and showed his frustration by slamming his helmet after another unsuccessful at-bat.
His last standout performance was on September 20 at Citi Field, where he went 4 for 5 with a three-run homer and four RBIs, helping the Phillies secure a playoff spot.
Aaron Nola is set to pitch for Philadelphia on Tuesday, and Thomson announced that All-Star lefty Ranger Suárez will start Game 4 on Wednesday.
