Manager Rob Thomson confirmed that fans should expect noticeable changes to the lineup. Speaking to reporters, including Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Thomson emphasized the need for a mental reset following the team’s recent struggles. He explained that the goal is to shift the players’ approach at the plate and spark better production. One of the most notable adjustments involves outfielder Adolis García, who is expected to move into the cleanup spot. García has primarily batted sixth this season, making this a significant change in role and responsibility.
The Phillies’ offensive issues have become increasingly apparent. The team has gone 20 consecutive innings without scoring a run, with their last offense coming during a 6-4 victory on April 6. In that game, a sacrifice fly from Brandon Marsh brought Bryce Harper home, capping a four-run inning that flipped the game in Philadelphia’s favor. Since then, however, the bats have gone cold.
As a result, the Phillies dropped the final two games of their series against the Giants, bringing their record back to an even .500. The team has now lost three of its last four games, including a defeat to the Colorado Rockies earlier in the week. Over the first dozen games of the season, Philadelphia has struggled to produce runs, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key offensive categories. Their totals in batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS all fall within the league’s lower tier, highlighting the lack of consistent hitting.
This downturn is especially surprising given how productive the Phillies were last season. In 2025, the team ranked eighth in total runs scored and boasted one of the strongest lineups in baseball. They finished with a .258 team batting average, second only to the Toronto Blue Jays. Several players delivered standout performances, including Kyle Schwarber, who blasted a career-high 56 home runs, and Trea Turner, who added speed with 36 stolen bases. The offense was deep and reliable, a stark contrast to the current slump.
Despite the recent struggles, Thomson remains calm and confident in his team’s ability to rebound. He stressed the importance of patience, noting that offensive slumps are a natural part of the game. According to Thomson, the hitters have the talent to turn things around, and it is only a matter of time before their performance improves.
García’s promotion in the lineup could play a key role in that turnaround. The veteran outfielder joined the Phillies on a one-year, $10 million contract during the offseason and has been a consistent presence in right field, starting all 12 games so far. He has posted a solid .250/.306/.432 slash line and currently holds the fourth-best OPS on the team, trailing only Schwarber, Harper, and J.T. Realmuto. García has already contributed two home runs and a stolen base, while tying for the team lead in total bases.
His early performance is encouraging, particularly after a disappointing 2025 season with the Texas Rangers. Last year, García recorded a below-average offensive output, finishing with an 83 wRC+ over 135 games and failing to reach 20 home runs for the first time in several years. However, he did show improvement in plate discipline, lowering his strikeout rate to a career-best level. That trend has continued with Philadelphia, offering hope that he can regain his previous form.
With lineup changes on the horizon and a talented roster still in place, the Phillies are aiming to quickly move past their offensive drought and rediscover the consistency that made them one of the league’s top teams just a season ago.
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