Don Mattingly Announces Reason for Alec Bohm's Removal From Phillies Lineup

Philadelphia Philliesthird baseman Alec Bohm has had a disastrous start to his 2026 MLB season. While the Phillies appear to be turning their season around, winning eight of their last nine games under interim manager Don Mattingly, Bohm's struggles have been placed under a microscope.

The 29-year-old former All-Star has posted a .159 batting average, .227 on-base percentage, .433 OPS, one home run and 15 RBIs over his first 35 games.

Bohm ranks among the league's worst qualified hitters, and the timing could not be worse. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, and his slump may cost him any chance at the lucrative contract he once seemed destined to earn.

As Philadelphia prepares for Thursday's series finale against the Athletics, with a sweep on the line, Bohm was not in the starting lineup. Instead, Edmundo Sosa drew the start at third base.

Speaking with reporters pregame, Mattingly explained that Bohm was given a "reset day" and was encouraged not to swing a bat at all on Thursday. Mattingly also reaffirmed the organization's belief that Bohm can turn his season around (h/t Matt Gelb of The Athletic).

Mattingly's confidence is understandable. Bohm was an All-Star just two seasons ago in 2024 and has long served as Philadelphia's cleanup hitter. But the Phillies are fighting to climb back into the race for first place in the National League East, and Bohm's bat has created a clear hole in the lineup.

Interim manager Don Mattingly called it a "reset day" for Bohm. Encouraged him to not swing a bat this afternoon. Mattingly reaffirmed the organization's faith in Bohm.

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) May 7, 2026

This is no longer a small sample size, his slump has stretched through nearly a quarter of the regular season. Still, the Phillies lack appealing alternatives at third base, making Bohm's rebound even more important.

Bohm has spent his entire seven-year career with Philadelphia after being selected third overall in the 2018 MLB Draft, delivering several big postseason moments along the way.

With the Phillies pushing to stay hot, Thursday's reset represents a crucial chance for Bohm to regroup before his season slips further away.

Related: Phillies' Bryson Stott Reacts to Trea Turner Career News

Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 6:18 PM.