Edmundo Sosa delivered a notable performance for the Philadelphia Phillies on April 14, hitting a three-run home run and a leadoff double in a 10-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. Sosa started at third base in place of Alec Bohm, who has been struggling offensively this season.
Sosa’s contributions highlight ongoing questions about playing time as Bohm tries to recover from his slump. The team is looking for improvement from its regular third baseman, who has seen his batting average drop to .153 with one home run and ten runs batted in. Manager Rob Thomson said after the game that “Bohm, the last couple days, has been swinging the bat better.” He added that while Sosa is valuable off the bench and brings energy to every game, “the Phillies are better if Bohm is playing every day and producing.”
The decision to start Sosa was prompted by Bohm’s recent struggles; he had snapped an 0-for-17 streak but still ranks near the bottom among qualified hitters in on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS). With runners on base late in Tuesday’s game, Thomson opted for Bohm as a pinch hitter against left-hander Caleb Thielbar. However, Bohm struck out and received boos from fans.
Phillies cleanup hitters have also struggled overall this season, ranking 25th in Major League Baseball with a .589 OPS entering Tuesday’s contest. This continues a trend from previous seasons when they ranked below league average in this category.
Thomson addressed whether off-field issues might be affecting Bohm’s play after reports surfaced of legal disputes involving his family. “The performance is getting better. The swing is getting better,” Thomson said. “But when he does struggle, we don’t see the same frustration we saw in the past… He’s grown up.” He also stated that his door remains open if Bohm wishes to discuss any personal matters.
The Philadelphia Phillies have played their home games at Citizens Bank Park since 2004 according to their official website. The team serves both local fans and wider audiences through games and community outreach according to their official website. As charter members of Major League Baseball’s National League with World Series wins in 1980 and 2008 according to their official website, they continue under leadership from executives including their chief executive officer and general manager according to their official website.
Looking ahead, it remains uncertain how much more playing time Sosa will receive or how quickly Bohm can regain form as Philadelphia seeks greater consistency throughout its lineup.
