The Philadelphia Phillies are struggling to hang on following the All-Star Break, posting an 8-12 record since and falling to 8.5 games out of first place in the National League East division.
Despite some seemingly higher morale due to the Trade Deadline addition of second baseman Luis Arráez, the Phillies offense has still had issues connecting.
First baseman Alec Bohm has been hitting fifth in the lineup since the addition of Arráez, with Arráez hitting cleanup.
Some think that Bohm should be moved further down in the lineup and that was clear following Friday's close loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.
In the ninth inning, the Phillies were rallying to tie the game, bringing the score to 4-5. Arráez worked a 10-pitch at-bat for a walk to load the bases and bring Bohm up with one out. Bohm swings at the first pitch, grounding it to the second baseman which led to the run at home forced out.
When asked about the first-pitch swing decision, Phillies' manager Don Mattingly stated, "We are not trying to do that."
Mattingly also stated that he "would like it if he gets a hit" referring to the swing decision.
It did not look like Mattingly was too happy with the decision, and this could cause Bohm to move down in the lineup.
Bohm has had a groundout issue this season, specially with a runner on first base. Bohm leads the team with 15 double plays hit into.
With having a contact hitter in Arráez ahead of him, those double play opportunities are going to occur more frequently.
With game two on deck against the Blue Jays, it will be interesting to see how Mattingly lines the team up following Friday's crushing loss.
