Brutal Alec Bohm Injury Hits Phillies at Worst Possible Moment
Just as the Philadelphia Phillies begin the second half of their season with hopes of maintaining their lead in the NL East, they’ve been dealt a tough blow. Third baseman Alec Bohm has landed on the 10-day injured list after suffering a fractured left rib — an injury that could sideline him for a month or more.
The injury, which traces back to a hit-by-pitch from Padres pitcher Yu Darvish in the final series before the All-Star break, wasn’t believed to be serious initially. However, it’s now clear that Bohm will miss significant time. That’s especially painful for the Phillies with the July 31 trade deadline rapidly approaching.
Before their series opener against the Los Angeles Angels, the Phillies made the move official, calling up versatile infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Bohm’s roster spot.
Trade Deadline Complications Now Loom
The timing of Bohm’s injury couldn’t be worse. With less than two weeks left before the trade deadline, the Phillies’ front office faces added pressure to make decisions without one of their key bats. While the team was reportedly hesitant to sacrifice top prospects in a major deal, Bohm’s absence might force them to rethink that strategy.
Though he didn’t repeat his All-Star performance from last season, Bohm had been quietly heating up since May. Through 92 games, he posted a .278 average with a .715 OPS, eight home runs, and 42 RBIs. Since the beginning of May, those numbers improved to a .304 average and .802 OPS, showing signs of a strong second half in the making — until the injury struck.
Replacements Will Be Tested
In Bohm’s absence, the Phillies are expected to rely on Edmundo Sosa and Weston Wilson at third base. Sosa has quietly put together a respectable season, hitting .274 with a .732 OPS in 50 games, including three home runs and 21 RBIs. Wilson, on the other hand, has struggled in limited big league action this year, batting just .194 with a .587 OPS in 20 games. He performed better in Triple-A, hitting .250 with a .366 on-base percentage and three homers.
The team already faces offensive inconsistencies — they rank 13th in both offensive fWAR (13.5) and total runs scored (443), per FanGraphs. And with ace Aaron Nola still sidelined by a similar rib injury since mid-May, the Phillies’ depth will continue to be tested on both sides of the ball.
This recent string of injuries leaves Philadelphia’s front office in a bind. They must now weigh whether to patch the roster internally or make a move before the deadline that could impact their future. One thing is certain: Alec Bohm’s absence arrives at the worst possible time for a club with postseason ambitions.
