RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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SportsMoney Phillies Send 3-Word Alec Bohm Message As Concerns Mount By Peter Chawaga ,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball. Follow Author Aug 09, 2026, 06:30am EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm was notably absent from Saturday's lineup against the Toronto Blue Jays, benched after a frustrating 0-for-4 performance the previous day. Bohm has endured an uneven campaign, showcasing both encouraging offense and periods of struggle, raising concerns about his viability in a contract year. Manager Don Mattingly expressed continued trust in Bohm, acknowledging his season's "ups and downs" but highlighting his clutch hitting. Mattingly characterized the day off as a "normal" rotation move, not a "reset," yet admitted it was timely for Bohm's physical and mental well-being amid mounting fan scrutiny. The Phillies emphasize Bohm's importance, believing he can still be a key part of their solution despite needing to improve.
The Philadelphia Phillies have made plenty of changes to their lineup and roster as they navigate the second half of the season, but Alec Bohm remains a particularly important piece of the equation.
The veteran third baseman has endured an uneven campaign, producing stretches of encouraging offense alongside periods that have raised questions about his viability as an everyday infielder, particularly in a contract year.
With the Phillies trying to maximize their lineup down the stretch, every decision involving Bohm is drawing additional attention. And that made his absence from Saturday's lineup notable and the focus of some comments from manager Don Mattingly.
Bohm was not in the lineup Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays after going 0-for-4 with a walk on Friday, which included a visibly frustrated walk back to the dugout.
“Bohm isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays,” CBS Sports reported . “Kyle Schwarber will fill in at first base while Bohm sits Saturday, putting Bryce Harper at the DH spot and giving Bryan De La Cruz a start in right field.”
That defensive arrangement illustrated how much flexibility the Phillies have with their position players and it could offer a way forward with Bohm on the bench. But it did not necessarily signal a change in Bohm's standing.
“I trust Alec,” Mattingly said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Lochlahn March .
However, Mattingly acknowledged that the day off came at a good time for Bohm, who seems to be in need of a refresher.
“Over the course of the year, there’s been some ups and downs,” Mattingly added, per March. “There’s been some good sections and some sections that haven’t looked as good, but for the most part, he’s been a guy that’s driven in some big runs for us.”
Mattingly refused to call the day off a “reset” for Bohm, though he noted the growing concerns among fans.
“Reset is not a great word, I don’t think, for this situation,” Mattingly added, per March. “I think it’s more this was a normal day that we were going to do. But I do think the day’s not bad for him from the standpoint of bodywise, and just a day off in this stretch.”
For now, the message from the Phillies is simple: Bohm has work to do, but the team still believes he can be part of the solution.
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