Phillies’ Bold Bohm Move Shocks Baseball Before Twins Showdown
Phillies vs. Twins: Alec Bohm Batting Fifth Sparks Fan Debate
The Big Picture
The Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins are back at it this weekend! After a thrilling Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, Iowa on Thursday (which the Phillies won 7-1), the two teams resume their three-game series on Saturday, August 15.
But before the first pitch, the Phillies made a lineup announcement that has fans talking—Alec Bohm is batting fifth.
Saturday’s Starting Lineup (August 15)
Here is the full batting order Manager Don Mattingly wrote on the card:
- Kyle Schwarber – DH (Designated Hitter)
- Trea Turner – SS (Shortstop)
- Bryce Harper – RF (Right Field)
- Luis Arraez – 2B (Second Base)
- Alec Bohm – 1B (First Base) The Talk of the Town
- Edmundo Sosa – LF (Left Field)
- Bryson Stott – 3B (Third Base)
- J.T. Realmuto – C (Catcher)
- Derek Hill – CF (Center Field)
Pitcher: Jesús Luzardo (Starting Pitcher)
Quick ELI5: What does "Batting 5th" mean?
The batting order decides who hits when. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th hitters usually get the most at-bats and are expected to get on base or hit for power. The 5th spot is traditionally a "protection" spot for the cleanup (4th) hitter—someone who can drive in runs if the bases are loaded. Putting Bohm there signals the manager trusts him to produce in big moments.
Fan Reactions: Mixed to Mad
Social media (X, formerly Twitter) exploded with opinions. The vibe? Mostly frustration.
| Fan Handle | Reaction |
|---|---|
| @Intimidator21 | "Please stop with the Alec Bohm delusion. He stinks. Period! Batting 5, what a joke." |
| @r0naldM76 | "Alec Bohm and Edmundo Sosa hitting back to back in the middle of the lineup is going to be brutal" |
| @cal_lugay | "No actually I am a better player than Alec Bohm" (Hyperbole, but shows the frustration!) |
| @JeffKerrPHL | Noted the Twins are starting a Left-Handed Pitcher (Connor Prielipp), and the Phillies have several righty-heavy matchups (Sosa, Hill, Bohm) in the lineup. |
The Numbers: How Has Bohm Actually Played?
Let’s look at the scorecard for the 2026 season so far (through 434 at-bats):
| Stat | What It Means | Bohm’s 2026 Number |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average (.AVG) | How often he gets a hit per at-bat | .230 (Below league average) |
| bWAR (Baseball Ref. Wins Above Replacement) | Total value vs. a bench player | -1.2 (Negative = worse than a replacement) |
| Home Runs (HR) | Big power hits | 13 |
| Doubles (2B) | Two-base hits | 18 |
| OPS+ | Overall offensive production (100 = League Avg) | 75 (25% below average) |
IMPORTANT POINT: The "Why" Behind the Decision
If the stats look bad, why does Mattingly keep playing him?
Simple answer: The Phillies likely don’t have a better option right now. Bohm plays solid defense at first base, and the current bench/roster lacks a clear upgrade who hits left-handed pitching better. Sometimes, managers stick with a struggling veteran hoping they "figure it out" rather than playing an unproven rookie.
Context: The Matchup Matters
The Twins are starting Connor Prielipp, a Left-Handed Pitcher (LHP).
- General Baseball Rule: Right-handed hitters usually see the ball better off lefty pitchers.
- The Lineup Construction: Mattingly loaded the lineup with right-handed bats (Turner, Harper, Bohm, Sosa, Stott, Realmuto, Hill) to counter the lefty.
- The Gamble: Bohm has historically struggled against lefties this year, but the manager is betting on the "platoon advantage" (Righty vs Lefty) over the season-long stats.
Summary
- Phillies lead the series 1-0 after a 7-1 win at the Field of Dreams game.
- Game 2 is Saturday, August 15 in Philadelphia (standard series resumption).
- Manager Don Mattingly penciled Alec Bohm in the 5-hole (cleanup protection).
- Fans are unhappy: Bohm is hitting .230 with a -1.2 WAR and 75 OPS+.
- The rationale: Facing a Left-Handed Pitcher (Prielipp), Mattingly wants right-handed bats. The team likely lacks a better internal alternative at 1B.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What is the "Field of Dreams" game?
It’s a special MLB regular-season game played at the movie site in Dyersville, Iowa, near a cornfield. It’s a tribute to the 1989 Kevin Costner movie. The Phillies beat the Twins there 7-1 on Thursday.
2. Who is Alec Bohm?
He is the Phillies’ starting First Baseman (1B). He was a top prospect (3rd overall pick in 2018) and made an All-Star team in 2024, but has struggled significantly in the 2026 season. He becomes a Free Agent after this year.
3. What does "batting 5th" mean for his at-bats?
He will likely get 4-5 at-bats per game, often with runners on base (since Turner, Harper, and Arraez hit before him). It’s a high-leverage spot meant for run producers.
4. Why are fans so mad if he’s just one player?
Because the Phillies have World Series aspirations. Fans feel a below-average hitter (-1.2 WAR) in the heart of the lineup costs them runs and wins in a tight playoff race. They want a trade or a call-up from the minors.
5. Who is pitching for the Phillies Saturday?
Jesús Luzardo (Left-Handed Starter). He was acquired via trade (likely from Miami or Oakland) to bolster the rotation for the playoff push.
Article based on reporting by TJ French (Heavy.com MLB Correspondent, University of Georgia grad). Follow him on X: @tj_french5.