Blue Jays Skipper Sends Phillies’ Alec Bohm Message After Shocking Move
The Philadelphia Phillies clinched a dramatic 7-6 extra-innings win against the Toronto Blue Jays, sparked by a controversial managerial call. In the 12th, with runners on first and third, one out, Blue Jays manager John Schneider intentionally walked polarizing Phillies infielder Alec Bohm, despite his frustrating .227 batting average this season. Schneider's surprising strategy aimed to face struggling outfielder Derek Hill, but it backfired spectacularly as Hill delivered a walk-off single for the Phillies' victory. Post-game, Schneider defended his decision, citing Bohm's "track record" and All-Star credentials, while admitting he was "hunting outs" against a less accomplished batter. Bohm, tied for third in double plays and nearing free agency, faces an uncertain future with the Phillies, with trade rumors and his high salary suggesting a likely departure.
The Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays produced one of the more dramatic games of their latest series with the finale on Sunday, with a late managerial decision putting polarizing Phillies infielder Alec Bohm directly in the middle of the action.
The Phillies escaped with a 7-6 victory in 12 innings, but the most surprising moment for fans came shortly before the winning run was scored as Blue Jays skipper John Schneider preferred to avoid Bohm despite a season that is once again frustrating the fanbase.
With runners at first and third and one out in the 12th inning, Schneider intentionally walked Bohm to load the bases. It was a surprise for anyone who has consistently watched Bohm at the plate this season.
“But in the 12th inning, Schneider held up four fingers as Bohm walked up to the plate,” Destiny Lugardo recalled for Phillies Nation. “For anyone that has watched the Phillies for an extended period of time this year, it seemed like a shocking decision in the moment.”
The strategy was designed to get to Derek Hill, a platoon outfielder who had struggled in earlier opportunities in the game, but ultimately made Toronto pay. Hill lined a walk-off single past shortstop Andres Gimenez, giving Philadelphia the victory.
There were some statistical reasons for Schneider to walk Bohm in that situation, as he entered with an impressive .852 OPS with runners in scoring position, but he is also tied for the third most double plays in the majors with 16. And as Bohm heads to free agency after an up-and-down Phillies tenure, it seems that the team is likely to move on from him soon.
After the game, Schneider was quick to explain that his decision wasn't necessarily an indictment of Hill. But in his assessment of the hitters he wanted to face with an exhausted bullpen and a game that had already stretched into the 12th inning, the skipper cited Bohm’s credentials, which do include an All-Star game in 2024.
“I’m going off track record a little bit, nothing against anyone,” Schneider said of the surprising decision to walk Bohm, per Lugardo. “These guys are all big leaguers and you’re just trying to hunt outs… So you’re just hunting outs, really. You’re hoping a ball goes at somebody and just trying to go after guys that may be not as accomplished as some others.”
Schneider’s decision might not repeat if Bohm doesn’t pick up his .227 batting average this season. He has been the focus of trade rumors for most of his tenure with the team and it’s possible the Phillies have been forced to hold onto him until he is eligible for free agency.
“I don’t know whether Bohm even has trade value at this point, with a $10.2 million salary and production below replacement level,” Keith Law wrote for The Athletic. “And because he’s a free agent after the season anyway, the Phillies have no incentive at all to keep playing him.”