Bohm returns to the Phillies lineup for Game 3; Mets' Senga is an option for Game 5

NEW YORK (AP) — Struggling third baseman Alec Bohm will be back in the starting lineup for the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday in Game 3 of the NL Division Series at Citi Field against the New York Mets.

Bohm, an All-Star this season, was substituted in Game 2 at home on Sunday in favor of Edmundo Sosa, who went 0-for-2 with a strikeout. Bohm excelled as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning, stayed on defense and also finished the game 0-2.

Philadelphia rallied late for a 7-6 win that evened the best-of-five series at one game each.

The NL East champion Phillies practiced in Queens on Monday, and manager Rob Thomson said Bohm would face Mets left-hander Sean Manaea on Tuesday.

“Oh yeah, he’s playing tomorrow. I think he's in a good position. He just hit the cages and got the job done. I'm not sure if he'll hit the field today or not. But, “Yeah, I think he's fine,” Thomson said.

Bohm was sidelined from August 30 to September 14 due to a strained left hand, which landed him on the injured list. In his last 34 at-bats, Bohm has two hits. He batted .280 with 15 home runs, 97 RBIs and 44 doubles that season, but faded down the stretch, finishing the regular season with a 2-for-28 mark.

In a 6-2 loss to the Mets in Game 1, he went 0-for-4 and banged on his helmet in frustration after another empty hit.

Bohm's last big game, however, came on September 20 at Citi Field, when he went 4 for 5 with a three-run home run and four RBIs and the Phillies defeated the Mets 12-2 to clinch a playoff spot.

Aaron Nola is scheduled to pitch for Philadelphia on Tuesday, and Thomson said All-Star lefty Ranger Suárez will start Game 4 on Wednesday.

Likewise, the Mets plan to use veteran left-hander Jose Quintana on Wednesday regardless of the outcome of Game 3, manager Carlos Mendoza said.

Kodai Senga could be an option for a crucial Game 5 if needed.

“Right now the trend is going in that direction,” Mendoza said.

Senga started the series opener, allowing one run over two innings in his first major league appearance since late July.

Senga, the team's projected No. 1 starter this year, made just one start in the regular season due to shoulder and calf injuries. His last return was also slightly delayed due to tension in his right triceps.

“He continues to feel good,” Mendoza said after his team’s optional practice. “He’s here now. He does whatever he has to do to keep feeling that way. So he’s making good progress and is in a good position.”

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