Bohm 'good,' isn't frustrated with benching

PHOENIX -- Phillies manager Joe Girardi recently called Alec Bohm's spot on the Phillies bench a “reset” and nothing more.

But it has become something more than that. Bohm has not started for the Phillies at third base since Aug. 8 against the Mets. He has not started anywhere since Wednesday, when he started at first base against the Dodgers. Ronald Torreyes has started seven consecutive games at third, including Tuesday’s series opener against the D-backs at Chase Field. Brad Miller has started nine of 10 games at first while Rhys Hoskins recovers from a strained left groin.

“I’m good,” Bohm said before Tuesday’s game. “It is what it is. Everything is good.”

Girardi acknowledged that the break has lasted longer than a typical clearing of the mind, but he said the Phillies can no longer weigh individual development more than team success. Bohm is second in baseball with 15 errors at third base. He had three errors in three games there before Torreyes took over at third.

“You have to think about winning right now,” Girardi said. “It’s not April 15, right? It’s August. So, you’ve got to think about winning right now.

“Obviously we believe in this kid. I wouldn’t send him in for double switches if I didn’t believe in the kid. … Toe has played so well, that’s the thing. It’s hard to take him out of the lineup. … [Bohm] knows he needs to be ready every day. We’ll pinch-hit him. He obviously knows I’ll double-switch with him. He knows. He’s just doing his work. He was out here early with BP. He was out here early doing ground balls. It’s tough, because he’s a kid who’s used to playing every day.”

Bohm said he does not feel any frustration from his sudden lack of playing time. He has slashed .296/.400/.439 with five doubles, three home runs and 17 RBIs in 115 plate appearances since June 27. Bohm’s .839 OPS in that span ranks 74th out of 222 batters (minimum 100 plate appearances).

“There’s no reason to be frustrated about anything,” he said. “We’re in a playoff race. If one guy is frustrated about not playing, it’s going to bring everybody down. So, there’s no frustration with it.”

Girardi said Bohm could return to the lineup on Thursday.

“Whenever he puts my name in there, I’ll be ready to play,” Bohm said.