Phillies Adjust Lineup Ahead of NLDS Game 3 Against Mets’ Manaea

The Philadelphia Phillies have made strategic adjustments to their lineup for the upcoming Game 3 of the National League Divisional Series (NLDS) against the New York Mets. With the Mets preparing to start left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea, notable changes include benching left-handed hitters Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh in favor of right-handed batters Austin Hays and Edmundo Sosa.

Nick Castellanos previously led the team to a walk-off victory in Game 2 of the NLDS, while Bryson Stott delivered a crucial two-run triple, significantly boosting the Phillies’ chances of winning. However, despite Stott’s game-saving performance, Phillies manager Rob Thomson hinted at potential lineup shifts to strategize against Manaea, known for his impressive performance against left-handed hitters.

Manaea, who is expected to become a free agent, enjoyed a standout season with a 12-6 record, a 3.47 ERA, and 184 strikeouts over 181 2/3 innings. Since a midseason adjustment to his pitching motion, Manaea has become even more challenging for left-handed hitters. His performance since the change has been notable, leading the Mets to victory in 10 of his last 11 starts while boasting a 2.63 ERA.

The Phillies’ strategy focuses on utilizing right-handed hitters against Manaea, a decision supported by the successful records of Hays and Sosa against lefties. Hays has achieved a .354 batting average against left-handed pitchers this season, while Sosa stands at .284. This decision to adjust the lineup contrasts with Stott’s lifetime record of 3-for-7 against Manaea and Marsh’s struggles against left-handed pitchers, with a batting average below .100 in nearly 100 plate appearances.

Manager Thomson clarified that while Stott and Marsh may begin on the bench, they will likely see action once Manaea leaves the game. “Just giving guys a heads up that we might move a little bit earlier than usual so that they’re not surprised,” stated Thomson before Game 1, emphasizing the need for versatile game strategies during playoffs.

Alec Bohm, who experienced a slump leading to his benching for Game 2, will return to the third base position. Despite recent struggles, his .301 average with runners in scoring position remains a critical asset for the Phillies.

Thomson’s lineup decisions underscore the need to strike a balance against Manaea’s formidable record against right-handed batters. Throughout the season, Manaea has held right-handers to a .190 batting average. However, the combination of Stott’s past success against Manaea and Hays and Sosa’s proficiency against left-handed pitching provides the Phillies with potential leverage.

As the series moves to Citi Field in New York, the Phillies’ tactical lineup decisions reflect their aim to maximize offensive potential against the Mets’ left-handed pitchers in both Games 3 and 4 of the NLDS.