Alec Bohm’s Struggles Continue as Phillies Adjust Lineup

PHILADELPHIA — Struggling Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm dropped three spots in the batting order ahead of Thursday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, as manager Rob Thomson attempts to relieve some pressure on the young player.

Bohm, who has registered a dismal .158 batting average to start the 2025 season, hit seventh against Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach. Manager Thomson commented, “I’m just trying to take a little heat off of Bohmer and Casty’s swinging the bat good. That’s really what it comes down to.”

After a promising Opening Day where he drove in two runs, Bohm has struggled significantly, going 4-for-40 in his last nine games, with eight strikeouts and no walks. His lack of production has been concerning for the Phillies, who are looking to solidify their lineup early in the season.

Bohm’s recent performances, including two consecutive 0-for-5 games, have fueled discussions about his ability to contribute offensively. He notably struck out four times during Wednesday’s win and hadn’t driven in a run since the season opener. “He’s probably disappointed,” Thomson said. “He likes hitting where he’s hitting. But I think he also realizes that he’s not swinging the bat the way he normally does.”

Despite the poor statistics, advanced metrics might suggest that Bohm’s struggles are more about luck than talent. He’s experiencing a .205 batting average on balls in play (BABIP), which is significantly lower than his peripheral stats would imply. Bohm ranks in the 94th percentile for the percentage of balls he squares up, along with an average exit velocity that is among the league’s best

“I think a lot of hitters get into that at times where they’re hitting the ball hard and not getting any results and then they start tweaking things because they think they’re not doing something right,” said Thomson. “Just reminding him that he was an All-Star last year with 97 RBIs and a high batting average.”

Bohm’s current numbers reflect a -1 wRC+ and a -0.5 fWAR, ranking among the league’s least productive players. However, there’s still hope for a turnaround, primarily because the season is still young. With adjustments and a touch of luck, he could re-establish his offensive capabilities.

While Bohm’s challenges have been severe, Bryson Stott has managed to maintain a .250 batting average amidst the lineup’s struggles. As Bohm grapples with his performance issues, the Phillies look to leverage Stott’s bat as they seek to stabilize the offense.

As the season progresses, changes to Bohm’s approach may be essential in lifting him out of this slump. He’s shown flashes of his potential, but consistency must become the norm if he hopes to positively impact the team this season.

“It is very early in the regular season so there is time to turn things around,” Thomson reflected. “Sometimes, it helps the guy just to relax and put himself on auto-pilot and just go play.”