Slumping 3B Alec Bohm returning to Phillies' lineup for NLDS Game 3. Senga a Game 5 option for Mets

Slumping 3B Alec Bohm returning to Phillies’ lineup for NLDS Game 3. Senga a Game 5 option for Mets

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Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm, left, talks with Kyle Schwarber, right, during a baseball workout, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia, ahead of the National League Division Series against the New York Mets. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

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Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm reacts after striking out against Chicago Cubs pitcher Hayden Wesneski during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryson Stott (5) celebrates scoring with teammate Alec Bohm during the eighth inning of Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series against the New York Mets, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

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New York Mets’ Kodai Senga pitches during the first inning of Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

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New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga walks to the dugout during the second inning of Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

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New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga tosses a ball in between batters during the first inning of Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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New York Mets’ Kodai Senga speaks during a baseball news conference, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia, ahead of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

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New York Mets’ Kodai Senga, left, speaks alongside his interpreter Hiro Fujiwara, right, during a baseball news conference, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Philadelphia, ahead of the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

By MIKE FITZPATRICK

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

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

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

The NL East champion Phillies worked out Monday in Queens, and manager Rob Thomson said Bohm will start Tuesday against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea.

“Oh yeah, he’s playing tomorrow. I think he’s in a good spot. He was just in there hitting in the cages and getting his work in. I’m not sure if he’s going to hit on the field today or not. But, yeah, I think he’s fine,” Thomson said.

Sidelined from Aug. 30 to Sept. 14 with a strained left hand that landed him on the injured list, Bohm has two hits in his last 34 at-bats. He batted .280 with 15 homers, 97 RBIs and 44 doubles this season but faded down the stretch and ended the regular season in a 2-for-28 slide.

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He went 0 for 4 during a 6-2 loss to the Mets in Game 1 and slammed his helmet in frustration after another empty at-bat.

Bohm’s last big game, however, came at Citi Field on Sept. 20, when he went 4 for 5 with a three-run homer and four RBIs as the Phillies routed the Mets 12-2 to clinch a playoff berth.

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

Likewise, the Mets plan to start veteran left-hander Jose Quintana on Wednesday no matter the result of Game 3, manager Carlos Mendoza said.

Kodai Senga could be an option for a decisive Game 5, if necessary.

“As for right now it’s trending in that direction,” Mendoza said.

Senga started the series opener and allowed one run over two innings in his first major league outing since late July.

The team’s projected No. 1 starter this year, Senga made only one start during the regular season because of shoulder and calf injuries. His latest return was delayed a bit by right triceps tightness, too.

“He continues to feel good,” Mendoza said after his team’s optional workout. “He’s here now. He’s doing everything that he has to do to continue to feel that way. So, progressing well and in a good spot.”

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB