Edmundo Sosa deserves more playing time; left field might be the solution for the Phillies.

 

The Phillies need to carve out a more consistent role for Edmundo Sosa, and Rob Thomson is fully aware of it.

On Sunday, in a thrilling 8-7 win over the Dodgers, Sosa started at third base, hit two singles, and raced out of a double-play attempt that allowed the go-ahead run to score from third. The day before, in a 3-1 loss, he pinch-hit for Brandon Marsh in the eighth inning and stayed in the game, playing center field in the ninth. He tracked two fly balls, made solid routes to them, and caught both.

Sunday’s performance was Sosa’s fifth consecutive start with at least two hits since the season began. He’s 11-for-20 on the year, boasting a .550 batting average with four doubles and six RBIs. His OPS stands at a remarkable 1.321.

While the sample size is small, Thomson sees the consistency and believes it’s time for Sosa to get more playing time.

“We’ve really gotta look at this because, so far, it’s real,” Thomson said after Sunday’s game at Citizens Bank Park. “Two hits every game, great defense at third and short, and he did well in center field yesterday. So, yeah, we’ve got to get in the lab and figure out how to get him in the lineup more.”

One potential solution might be expanding his role in the outfield.

Thomson had mentioned that Sosa's brief stint in center field on Saturday shouldn’t be considered an experiment for the long term, especially in center, with Marsh and Johan Rojas handling the bulk of those duties. However, Thomson did hint at the possibility of Sosa seeing time in left field.

By Sunday, that idea seemed more concrete. When asked directly if he was comfortable starting Sosa in left field against a left-handed pitcher (Sosa is a right-handed hitter), Thomson confirmed he was.

Max Kepler, the regular left fielder, has struggled recently, going 1-for-17 since a strong performance in the home opener against Colorado. Kepler is hitting just .200 against left-handed pitchers (2-for-10), while Sosa has hit .444 (4-for-9) in similar situations.

With Monday off for travel to Atlanta, where the Phillies will face the Braves in a three-game series starting Tuesday, the Phillies might be looking at a chance to give Sosa a shot in left field. The Braves' probable starter is left-hander and reigning NL Cy Young winner, Chris Sale, which could be a perfect opportunity for Sosa to make an impact.

Sosa is aware of his hot streak and is ready for whatever comes next. "I’ve just been able to naturally come through for the team, and that’s something I feel good about," he said through team interpreter Diego D'Aniello. "I’ll keep preparing the same way, working hard every day, and see if I can continue this good stretch."