It’s pretty simple — if the Philadelphia Phillies want to win the National League East for the first time since 2011, they almost certainly need to sweep the Atlanta Braves this week.
With that in mind, the team made a series of roster moves ahead of Tuesday’s tilt at Truist Park, with the most notable transaction coming in the form of third baseman Alec Bohm being recalled.
Phillies Nation‘s Ty Daubert noted that Bohm went 7-for-23 last week at Triple-A with four extra-base hits, which perhaps prompted this move. For as frustrating as Bohm has been during his second season, he, at the very least, could provide a right-handed option off the bench. He’s also an option to play first base — in addition to third base, of course — on days where the Phillies are facing a left-handed pitcher and don’t want Brad Miller in the lineup as the first baseman.
In addition to Bohm, the Phillies have reinstated Connor Brogdon from the injured list. Brogdon, who last pitched for the Phillies on Sept. 12, had been dealing with a groin strain.
To make room for Bohm and Brogdon, the Phillies optioned Ramón Rosso and Luke Williams to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
The Phillies also announced Tuesday that they have released Matt Joyce, who cleared waivers after being designated for assignment on Sept. 26. The 37-year-old slashed just .091/.261/.218 with two home runs and seven RBIs in 55 at-bats in 2021.
Here’s the lineup for Tuesday night’s series opener in Atlanta, as they’ll face former Phillie Charlie Morton: