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Rob Thomson Makes Announcement on Phillies Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated May 6, 2025 2:30 PM ET

For the past few years, there has been constant debate over who should be the Philadelphia Phillies' leadoff hitter. During the 2024 season, Kyle Schwarber was the priority leadoff hitter, and he was incredible in that role. But in 2025, there have been some changes to the lineup that Phillies manager Rob Thomson has liked.

In an article from Matt Gelb of The Athletic, ahead of the Phillies series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Thomson announced how he would approach the leadoff role going forward.

Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott has been getting a lot of opportunities at the leadoff spot in 2025, and as the Phillies begin a six-game road trip, Thomson is leaning towards Stott as the leadoff man.

"For the time being, sure. He's having good at-bats."

Regarding Stott's opportunity in the leadoff spot, Thomson gave a succinct answer as to why Stott is getting that chance.

"Well, he's been getting on base. If you're doing that, you're pretty darn good. Especially with Trea [Turner] being .380 [OBP] right behind him and Schwarber's what, .400 [OBP]? I mean, those guys get on base, we're going to score runs."

Stott, Turner, and Schwarber are the most likely leadoff hitters for the Phillies. Each has shown the ability to get on base consistently, and with the ability to switch from Stott against righties to Turner against lefties, the leadoff role seems solidified going forward.

In Gelb's article on The Athletic, Stott was asked about getting put in the leadoff spot. Stott shared his initial reaction and how surprised he was to be given that role.

"And I was like, 'I'm not playing?' Then I looked at the top and I go, 'Oh crap, I'm hitting first.'"

His surprise didn't extend onto the field, as Stott has managed to make his mark as a leadoff hitter. As a leadoff hitter for the Phillies, Stott has a .270 batting average with a .321 on-base percentage [OBP] and a solid .713 OPS. Stott started 17 games as a leadoff hitter and has been very solid for the Phillies.

Before getting put in the leadoff spot, Stott believed in his ability to be a leadoff hitter for the Phillies.

"I mean, it's always been Trea or Kyle, Kyle or Trea, and I was just always sitting in the back, like, 'I think I can do it too.' It was always just waiting for the chance."

With Stott's solid start to the year as a leadoff hitter, the Phillies manager believes Stott has earned the right to stay as the leadoff until proven otherwise.

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

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