Though Alec Bohm initially seemed to have avoided an injury after being hit by a pitch last weekend in San Diego, the Philadelphia Phillies have now placed the third baseman on the 10-day injured list due to a fractured left rib.
Bohm’s placement on the injured list occurred one day after he returned to the lineup in Friday night’s 6-5 loss to the Angels. He was struck in the left side by a 92 mph pitch from Yu Darvish in the second inning on July 12 and exited two innings later. The following day, he sat out with what was initially called a left rib cage contusion but rejoined for Friday’s game.
Manager Rob Thomson stated that Bohm first underwent an X-ray in San Diego, which did not reveal any fracture. Bohm reported feeling better during the All-Star break but experienced pain again during his final swing on Friday night. Further imaging on Saturday confirmed the fracture.
“It could be three weeks, could be four weeks, could be less than that,” said Thomson. “I hate putting timelines on anything.”
To fill Bohm’s spot, utility man Weston Wilson has been recalled from Triple-A. On Saturday, Otto Kemp played third base while Edmundo Sosa covered second against left-hander Yusei Kikuchi of the Angels. Brandon Marsh replaced Max Kepler in left field.
“He’s an impact bat in the middle of our lineup; he’s definitely going to be missed,” said first baseman Bryce Harper about Bohm. “Just got to pick up the slack.”
Wilson was scratched from Lehigh Valley’s lineup on Saturday night and may return to a platoon role with Kepler in left field. He posted a .276/.396/.447 (.843 OPS) over 19 games with Lehigh Valley after being optioned on June 19.
“Started off a little slow, but he’s been fine since,” said Thomson regarding Wilson’s performance with Lehigh Valley.
Kemp might continue playing in left field with Sosa available for third base duties when facing right-handers. Options for starting lineups include Stott at second base, Kemp at third, and Kepler or Kemp in left field depending on opposing pitchers.
“I’d probably piecemeal it between Stott, Sosa and Kemp,” Thomson commented. “We’ve got some options.”
