The Phillies’ home opener, intended to reignite the excitement of a new baseball season at Citizens Bank Park, lacked energy for nearly seven innings. That changed when Edmundo Sosa stepped up.
As the extra man and spark plug for the team, Sosa came to bat in the seventh inning with two runners on base against Rockies reliever Victor Vodnik. In his third consecutive start at shortstop in place of Trea Turner, Sosa delivered a key hit that sparked a late surge of runs for the Phillies. He smacked a double into right-center field, scoring two runs and giving Philadelphia a lead in their eventual 6-1 win.
Sosa, visibly excited, flexed and celebrated as he reached second base. “It’s important for me to get these opportunities early,” he said, through a team interpreter. “I’m just having fun and staying optimistic. I had a lot of at-bats in spring training, so I’m in a groove. I’m just doing what’s needed from me.”
Manager Rob Thomson highlighted Sosa’s value: “He’s incredibly important because injuries happen throughout the season. He can fill in almost anywhere in the infield, and when he gets the chance, he plays well.”
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Though not a perfect player, Sosa has carved a role for himself with the Phillies. His free-swinging style can make him vulnerable in certain situations, but he’s proven valuable off the bench.
After being acquired from the Cardinals in 2022, he helped the Phillies during their World Series run, filling in for Bryson Stott against left-handed pitchers. Sosa is reliable for filling in on days off or stepping up during stretches when injuries occur.
Sosa went 2-for-3 with two doubles on Monday, extending his strong start to the 2025 season. In the first three games of the year, he’s collected two hits in each contest, posting a 6-for-11 line with a walk and three doubles. He’s thriving in a role he’s made the most of during his time with the Phillies.
Sosa is aware he’s not a regular starter, but he prepares as if he is. “The Phillies brought me here in 2022, and they embraced me, treating me like a superstar,” he said. “That made me embrace my role and give my best every day.”
On Monday, with the Phillies trailing by a run in the seventh inning, Sosa came through with a 103 mph line drive, driving in two runs. The rally continued with a two-run shot by Kyle Schwarber, followed by back-to-back home runs from Max Kepler and Nick Castellanos in the eighth inning.
Schwarber praised Sosa’s contributions: “With Trea out, it’s great to have a guy like Edmundo who can step in and perform offensively and defensively without missing a beat.”
Sosa’s playing time may decrease soon as Turner recovers from a back issue. Turner, who pinch-hit in the seventh inning, could be back in the lineup shortly. But the Phillies remain confident in Sosa’s ability to stay ready and keep producing.
“He’s a great player and an even better person,” Schwarber said. “He does everything the right way, and he’s a special talent.”
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