Alec Bohm takes aim at the 2024 Home Run Derby with Philadelphia Phillies’ blessing.

Philadelphia (CBS) — Alec Bohm isn’t known for his power, but the Phillies’ third baseman will compete in the Home Run Derby next week. Despite having the fewest home runs (11) in the eight-man field, the first-time All-Star will compete in the Derby. Bohm has never hit more than 20 home runs in a season (he did it last year), but he is now slugging at a career high.824. His home run totals and slugging percentage have increased each season since taking over third base permanently in 2022, despite the fact that his power hitting was not the reason he was chosen for the All-Star Game.

“If he wants to do it, that’s fine with me,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said ahead of Thursday’s series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers. “I believe it will be beneficial for him. It brings him into the limelight a little.” Thomson does not take Bohm’s participation in the Home Run Derby lightly, believing he will perform admirably.

“I know how far he can hit the ball,” Thomson stated. “It hasn’t appeared during the course of the season, but it will. He’s got more game power. I know how far and regularly he can hit the ball. I think he’ll perform well in it.” Bohm’s rise to All-Star status has been just one of many storylines this season for the Phillies. His career path shifted after being caught on camera declaring “I hate this [expletive] place” on April 11, 2022, owning up to the words and receiving a standing ovation from the Phillies crowd the following night.

“The help he got from his teammates during that time, I think that really calmed him down and made him relaxed,” Thomson said. “It’s really been great to watch him grow.”

Bohm has hit .282 in the 386 games since, hitting 44 home runs with 239 RBIs with an OPS of .765. He has become one of the best run producers in baseball, becoming the first Phillies third baseman with 70 RBIs before the All-Star break. He leads the league with 33 doubles while hitting .295 with 11 home runs, 70 RBIs and a .830 OPS.

The Phillies certainly don’t care if Bohm wants to develop a power stroke in his swing next week.

The 2024 MLB Home Run Derby will begin Monday at 8 p.m. on ESPN. Notes about Phillies injuries. J.T. Realmuto was throwing balls to second base from the catcher’s position and batting practice Thursday while recovering from meniscus surgery on his right knee. Realmuto has been with the IL since June 11. Realmuto will travel to Clearwater, Florida, for additional rehab therapy over the break. The Phillies will next assess their situation with him.

Realmuto will travel to Clearwater, Florida, for additional rehab therapy over the break. The Phillies will next assess their situation with him. Taijuan Walker threw a bullpen session on Wednesday and plans to do the same on Saturday. He has been on IL since June 23 owing to inflammation in his right index finger.