The Philadelphia Phillies could soon welcome back one of their most consistent bats, as third baseman Alec Bohm continues making strides in his recovery from a fractured left rib. Bohm, who has been sidelined since July 19 after taking a pitch to the ribs from Yu Darvish, was seen running the bases ahead of the Phillies’ recent series finale against the Detroit Tigers — a clear sign that he’s trending toward a return. “He’s getting close,” manager Rob Thomson said Sunday, noting that Bohm has been swinging in the cage without discomfort and is set to hit off a machine, a key step before heading out on a rehab assignment. “Yesterday was the best Alec Bohm has felt since his left rib fracture,” Thomson added, per Charlotte Varnes of X. The hope is that Bohm will soon progress to on-field batting practice and eventually join a minor league affiliate for game reps.