Alec Bohm returning to Phillies' lineup for NLDS Game 3 after benching
NEW YORK (AP) — Slumping third baseman Alec Bohm will be back in the Philadelphia Phillies' starting lineup Tuesday against the New York Mets in Game 3 of their NL Division Series at Citi Field.
Bohm, an All-Star this season, was benched Sunday in Game 2 at home in favor of Edmundo Sosa, who went 0 for 2 with a strikeout. Bohm popped out as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning, stayed in to play defense and also finished 0 for 2.
Philadelphia rallied late for a 7-6 victory that evened the best-of-five series at one game apiece.
The NL East champion Phillies worked out Monday in Queens, and manager Rob Thomson said Bohm will start Tuesday against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea.
"Oh yeah, he's playing tomorrow. I think he's in a good spot," Thomson said. "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."
Sidelined from Aug. 30 to Sept. 14 with a strained left hand that landed him on the injured list, Bohm has two hits in his last 34 at-bats. He batted .280 with 15 homers, 97 RBIs and 44 doubles this season but faded down the stretch and ended the regular season in a 2-for-28 slide.
He went 0 for 4 during a 6-2 loss to the Mets in Game 1 and slammed his helmet in frustration after another empty at-bat.
Bohm's last big game, however, came at Citi Field on Sept. 20. He went 4 for 5 with a three-run homer and four RBIs as the Phillies routed the Mets 12-2 to clinch a playoff berth.
Aaron Nola is scheduled to pitch Tuesday for Philadelphia, and Thomson said All-Star lefty Ranger Suárez will start Game 4 on Wednesday.
Likewise, manager Carlos Mendoza said the Mets plan to start veteran left-hander Jose Quintana on Wednesday regardless of the result of Game 3.
Kodai Senga could be an option for a decisive Game 5, if necessary.
"As for right now, it's trending in that direction," Mendoza said.
Senga started the series opener and allowed one run over two innings in his first major league outing since late July.
Senga, the team's projected No. 1 starter this year, made only one start during the regular season because of shoulder and calf injuries. His latest return was also delayed a bit by tight right triceps.
"He continues to feel good," Mendoza said after his team's optional workout. "He's here now. He's doing everything that he has to do to continue to feel that way. So, progressing well and in a good spot."