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The Philadelphia Phillies enjoyed a stunning walk-off win on Monday, courtesy of an extra-innings catcher’s interference by the Boston Red Sox.
The win helped the Phillies maintain their narrow hold on first place in the National League East division. But if they hope to hold onto that lead, they’ll need some reinforcement at the trade deadline.
Even after signing free agent reliever David Robertson, the Phillies seem most likely to target additional bullpen help as the priority. But it also seems likely they will explore some offensive upgrades, particularly after a harsh injury to third baseman Alec Bohm underscored questions about the bottom of the batting order.
“Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm has a fractured left rib and was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday,” according to The Associated Press. “Bohm is hitting .278 with eight home runs and 42 RBI in 92 games this season.”
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After an All-Star breakout gave way to a brutal slump and a benching in the playoffs last year, Bohm has been the center of trade speculation for the Phillies. And now that he’s been ruled out for a crucial stretch of the season, fans might expect that speculation to manifest in a viable replacement.
But, speaking out on seeking a trade replacement for Bohm, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski declared the injury hasn’t changed his outlook.
“Dombrowski said Bohm’s injury doesn’t change how he views the team’s need for a bat, possibly because he already knew the Phils needed one,” Todd Zolecki reported for MLB.com.
Dombrowski could be counting on Bohm to return after a brief stint on the injured list, or he could feel confident that Otto Kemp is a serviceable replacement at the hot corner. But it seems most likely that with or without a healthy Bohm, the Phillies’ front office has been scouring the market for an affordable offensive upgrade.
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