The postseason is when every piece of a Major League Baseball roster becomes critical, and the Philadelphia Phillies know this better than most. While star players like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Cristopher Sanchez, and Trea Turner will be the focal points of the Phillies’ October run, it’s often the depth pieces that tip the scales in key moments. One of those essential supporting cast members is infielder Edmundo Sosa, and the Phillies just received a promising update on his availability.
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Sosa is expected to return during the team’s upcoming series against the Miami Marlins, their penultimate matchup before the postseason begins. Sosa, who’s been sidelined with a groin injury, reportedly went through strenuous workouts over the weekend and is on track to be activated Tuesday when he’s eligible. This return couldn’t be more timely, as the Phillies look to solidify their roster ahead of playoff baseball.
Sosa’s return is particularly important because of the uncertainty surrounding Trea Turner. If Turner, who has been dealing with a hamstring issue, isn’t 100% by the start of the postseason, Sosa offers a reliable option to slot in at shortstop. This flexibility allows the rest of the infield to remain intact, with Bryson Stott at second and Alec Bohm at third — a configuration that has worked well for Philadelphia throughout the season.
On the stat sheet, Sosa has been solid in his role. In 85 games this season, he has posted a .270 batting average with 62 hits, 26 runs, 12 doubles, one triple, seven home runs, and 33 RBIs. His .725 OPS reflects a well-rounded offensive profile for a bench player, and he has proven to be more than capable when called upon in both starting and substitute roles.
What makes Sosa particularly valuable is that his skill set extends beyond just his bat. Defensively, he’s versatile and steady — able to handle shortstop, second base, and third base with confidence. In a high-stakes playoff setting, having someone who can competently step into multiple roles is a luxury most teams don’t have. For the Phillies, he’s more than just insurance — he’s a stabilizing force.
The timing of his return also allows him to get back into game rhythm before the postseason begins. That’s key for someone who may be thrust into a larger role if Turner isn’t at full strength. Even if Sosa doesn’t start regularly, his presence on the bench gives manager Rob Thomson more options when managing late-game scenarios or responding to unexpected injuries.
Sosa’s limited playing time this year may make his impact easy to overlook, but within the Phillies’ clubhouse, his value is well understood. He’s been part of the team’s core depth the last two seasons and has earned the trust of both coaches and teammates. As the Phillies aim for another deep playoff run, having a steady hand like Sosa’s in reserve could make all the difference.
In a postseason filled with tension and unpredictability, depth often separates contenders from pretenders. For the Phillies, the return of Edmundo Sosa is more than just a minor injury update — it’s a significant development that enhances their flexibility, improves their defense, and shores up their World Series chances in a big way.
