Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly famously sat Alec Bohm back in May. The plan was to give the struggling infielder a two-day reset to clear his head, then put him back in the lineup. Mattingly spoke about his faith in Bohm’s hitting abilities and ultimately being rewarded for it.
“I did believe that,” Mattingly told 94 WIP’s Dave Uram. “He’s always hitting, and he works, and he’s got a good swing. All of those factors tell you he’s going to hit. It just may not be in that moment he’s hitting. But in my heart, I knew he was going to hit.”
That decision got revisited after Bohm’s two-run triple walked off the St. Louis Cardinals on August 21. It was a big moment for the Phillies’ infielder, who has endured a very rough season on and off the field. It also improved the club’s season-best win streak to seven games.
Alec Bohm’s Turnaround Since May Benching
GettyAlec Bohm’s midseason turnaround has saved both his and the Phillies’ 2026 season. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images)
Since returning to the lineup on May 9, Alec Bohm has done nothing but hit. Over that stretch, he’s slashing .278/.332/.458 with 13 home runs and a 115 wRC+ in 89 games. That’s more in line with what the Phillies envisioned he’d be this season.
That offensive surge has also increased Bohm’s offensive value. The 30-year-old will become a free agent after the season ends. The chances he’ll get an MLB deal have drastically increased, especially in what could be a weak third base market.
The turnaround might not be enough to save his full-season numbers, as he was in a deep slump to begin the year. However, his .692 OPS is the highest it’s been all season since March 29.
Following the trade deadline, the Phillies asked Bohm to change positions. After the club acquired second baseman Luis Arraez from the San Francisco Giants, he moved across the infield to first base. That was so Bryson Stott could move positions after getting bumped from his second base spot.
The change has also helped the Phillies’ offense become more dynamic at scoring runs. Once built to slug the baseball out of the park
Phillies Benefiting From Alec Bohm’s Impressive Turnaround
GettyAlec Bohm and the Phillies continue to grow confidence amid a season-best seven-game winning streak. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images)
Alec Bohm’s turnaround has also played a huge role in the Phillies’ midseason turnaround. He’s returned to the middle of their lineup, as their main run-producer from the right side of the plate. In those 89 games, the club is 54-35.
With Bohm’s midseason surge, plus the turnaround from Aaron Nola and Andrew Painter in the rotation, the Phillies are a dangerous team. They’ve closed to within four games of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East division lead.
The Phillies are virtual locks to make the postseason. FanGraphs gives them a 92.1% chance of qualifying, but they have their sights aimed higher. While they’re only given a 22.6% chance of taking the NL East, Phillies starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo feels confident about their chances.
Looking at their schedule, seven of their final 33 games come against the Braves. That means the division is still up for grabs. And the benefit of winning the division means the Phillies will get to host postseason games at Citizens Bank Park in October.
The club will certainly take its chances in the postseason if that’s the case.
Phillies Manager Don Mattingly Makes Alec Bohm Admission During Cardinals Series