Alec Bohm’s Game-Changing Hot Streak: Why the Phillies’ Breakout Star Is Dominating MLB Headlines

PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Phillies’ September charge took a hit Monday when the club placed third baseman Alec Bohm on the 10-day injured list with what team sources describe as a cyst in his right shoulder that requires drainage and an injection. Bohm’s move to the IL came moments after the Phillies also shelved All-Star shortstop Trea Turner, stripping manager Rob Thomson of the entire left side of his infield as a pivotal four-game series with the New York Mets opens tonight. WHAT HAPPENED • Bohm, 29, has been playing through shoulder discomfort that worsened during the weekend set in Miami. • Imaging revealed a fluid-filled cyst; doctors will drain the area and administer an anti-inflammatory injection, a procedure that typically sidelines hitters 7-14 days, according to multiple orthopedic studies. • The Phillies recalled utility prospect Otto Kemp and infielder Donovan Walton to fill the roster holes. SEASON AT A GLANCE • Slash line: .272 AVG / .319 OBP / .384 SLG • Counting stats: 12 HR, 61 RBI, 28 2B in 128 games • Recent form: .156 AVG with one extra-base hit over his last 15 contests WHY IT MATTERS 1. Middle-of-order gap: Bohm has hit behind Bryce Harper for much of the year; his absence forces Thomson to juggle Kyle Schwarber, Bryson Stott and Edmundo Sosa in new spots. 2. Defensive chemistry: The Phillies rank third in the NL in Defensive Runs Saved at third base; Kemp, a natural second baseman, and Walton will try to hold the line. 3. Playoff calendar: Philadelphia holds a four-game edge for the NL’s No. 2 seed, which carries a first-round bye. If Bohm returns after the minimum 10 days, he still gains two full weeks to regain timing before a potential Oct. 4 Division Series. PROJECTED TIMELINE Day 0-2: Drainage, injection, rest Day 3-6: Range-of-motion and strengthening work Day 7-10: Light hitting, cage work Day 11-14: Rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley Best-case activation: Sept. 20 vs. Braves Contingency: If pain lingers, Phillies could pivot to veteran free-agent options or promote top prospect Aidan Miller. WHO STEPS IN • Edmundo Sosa—expected to handle shortstop while Turner heals—could slide to third against left-handers. • Bryson Stott—Gold Glove finalist at second—has logged 55 career innings at the hot corner. • Kemp—posting an .897 OPS at Triple-A—offers contact skills and speed but limited arm strength. BIGGER PICTURE A healthy Bohm has been worth 2.7 fWAR and is arbitration-eligible this winter, making the next three weeks a critical showcase both for his own earning power and for a Phillies team chasing its third straight NL East crown. The club went 9-13 last May when Bohm missed time with a rib fracture; avoiding a similar skid is paramount with the surging Dodgers just four games back for the second bye. FANTASY BASEBALL TAKE Managers in need of corner-infield help can stream Kansas City’s Nick Pratto (seven homers since Aug. 1) or Seattle’s Eugenio Suárez (favorable Coors Field series next week) until Bohm is cleared for activation. BOTTOM LINE The timetable suggests Alec Bohm could be back in uniform before the final regular-season homestand. Until then, Philadelphia’s lineup depth—and its division cushion—will be stress-tested at the worst possible moment.