Phillies Make Alec Bohm Decision Before Diamondbacks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Apr 11, 2026 1:07 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies enter Saturday’s slate of games with a losing 6-7 record and are searching for answers as they try to climb back toward the top of the National League East. To do that, they need more production from several key players, including Alec Bohm, who is now in his seventh MLB season.

Bohm has spent his entire career in Philadelphia since being selected third overall in the 2018 MLB Draft. While he has not fully reached the ceiling many projected, he remains a solid contributor and was even an All-Star in 2024.

But the 29-year-old infielder has struggled badly at the plate to open 2026, carrying a .170 batting average, .250 on-base percentage, .505 OPS, one home run and eight RBIs through his first 12 games. He has appeared in every game except one, missing only due to groin soreness.

Philadelphia Phillies third base Alec Bohm (28)© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

As the Phillies prepared for the second game of their three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, manager Rob Thomson made a change to the lineup. For the first time this season, Bohm was dropped all the way down to eighth in the batting order, the lowest he has hit in 2026.

It is a clear sign that Philadelphia is limiting his opportunities until he finds his swing again. Bohm opened the year hitting cleanup for his first 10 games, but his lack of production forced the demotion. The Phillies will hope the move does not impact his confidence at the plate. Brandon Marsh was moved up to fourth in Bohm's usual spot.

Saturday at the Bank#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/azOHQXbVs8
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 11, 2026

This season is also an important one for Bohm individually. He is in the final year of team control and is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason. A strong year could position him for a big contract, but his early struggles make that difficult to envision right now.

Still, the season is young, and Bohm has time to turn things around. If he does, the Phillies may follow. His bat remains an important part of their lineup, and Philadelphia needs him to regain form if they want to reestablish themselves as contenders for a World Series title.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: