Alec Bohm’s recent injury – a fractured left rib sustained from a hit-by-pitch incident on July 12 against the San Diego Padres – has sent ripples through the Phillies organization at a critical juncture in the 2025 season. The timing couldn’t be worse: the team is in a tight race for the National League East title and the trade deadline looms just two weeks away. Bohm’s absence not only affects the Phillies’ lineup and defensive structure but also forces the front office to reevaluate its strategy heading into the final stretch of the season.

Bohm had been enjoying a quietly productive campaign after a sluggish start. Since May 3, he posted a .309/.362/.455 slash line with eight home runs across 257 plate appearances. His contact rate remained strong, with a 16.2% strikeout rate, and while his power numbers dipped slightly compared to previous seasons, he remained a reliable bat in the middle of the order. Defensively, Bohm had turned a corner at third base, continuing a trend from 2024 where he posted slightly above-average metrics at a position that had once been a liability for him. His versatility also proved valuable earlier in the season when he filled in at first base during Bryce Harper’s stint on the injured list.

The injury itself was initially downplayed. Bohm sat out the final game before the All-Star break and returned to action on July 18 against the Angels. However, discomfort resurfaced during his final at-bat, prompting further medical evaluation. Imaging revealed a fracture, and the Phillies placed him on the 10-day injured list on July 19. Manager Rob Thomson noted that the recovery timeline could range from three to four weeks, though rib injuries – especially for hitters – are notoriously tricky due to the rotational demands of the swing. A return in late August seems optimistic, and the team must prepare for the possibility of a longer absence.

In Bohm’s absence, the Phillies will use a combination of Edmundo Sosa, Otto Kemp, and Weston Wilson, who was recalled from Lehigh Valley to take Bohm’s roster spot, to fill the void at third base. Sosa, a capable defender with a .274 average and .732 OPS in 50 games, offers stability but lacks Bohm’s offensive upside. Kemp, who had been platooning in left field with Max Kepler, now finds himself shifting between third base and the outfield, further stretching the team’s depth. Wilson brings versatility to the roster but has struggled at the major league level, slashing just .194/.310/.278 in 22 games this season.

Beyond the immediate lineup concerns, Bohm’s injury complicates the Phillies’ trade deadline strategy. The team was already exploring options to bolster the outfield and potentially add depth at second base. Now, the need for a flexible utility infielder has become more pressing. The front office may seek a player capable of toggling between third, second, and corner outfield spots – someone who can provide insurance not just for Bohm’s absence but also for other areas of vulnerability.

Bohm himself had been mentioned in offseason trade speculation, with his remaining year of arbitration making him an attractive asset. However, the injury effectively removes him from any potential deadline deal. This limits the Phillies’ ability to pursue a need-for-need trade involving a controllable player for a high-impact rental. Instead, they may need to dip into their prospect pool or explore lower-cost veteran options to shore up the roster.

President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has acknowledged the team’s need for offensive reinforcements, particularly given the underperformance of offseason acquisitions like Max Kepler. The bullpen remains a concern, and with José Alvarado suspended and Aaron Nola still sidelined with a similar rib injury, the Phillies are navigating a precarious path. Dombrowski has emphasized internal improvement but also hinted at the possibility of trading from the organization’s depth, which includes six Top 100 prospects.