The Philadelphia Phillies have been one of baseball’s hottest teams following a dramatic turnaround during the early part of the 2026 MLB season. After opening the year with a disappointing 9-19 record, Philadelphia has climbed back into contention under interim manager Don Mattingly. The Phillies now sit at 24-23 and hold onto second place in the National League East.
Entering Monday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, the Phillies appear to be searching for ways to maximize lineup flexibility during their recent hot streak. One notable change ahead of Monday’s game involved infielder Alec Bohm, who is set to make his first start at first base this season after primarily playing third base throughout his MLB career.
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The move to first base comes after designated hitterKyle Schwarber woke up feeling ill on Monday, causing a reshuffle in the Phillies lineup.
According to Ty Daubert of Phillies Nation, Bohm did not have a fully broken-in first baseman’s glove available and was testing gloves from both Bryce Harper and Otto Kemp.
“Alec Bohm is playing first base tonight. He doesn’t have a broken-in first baseman’s mitt, so he’s testing a blue one from Bryce Harper and a tan one from Otto Kemp and will use whichever feels more comfortable in the game,” Daubert shared on X.
Despite the Phillies’ resurgence, Bohm has struggled throughout the season. Bohm was an All-Star in 2024, but is batting a career low .209 AVG with a .568 OPS and three home runs in 43 games.
If Bohm proves able to handle first base defensively, the move could provide Philadelphia with additional lineup flexibility moving forward while also potentially helping the struggling 29-year-old infielder settle into an offensive rhythm.
Philadelphia is seeking its fifth straight victory on Monday at home against the Reds.
