Does Brandon Phillips fit in the Red Sox playoffs?

Brandon Phillips' seasonal debut and a monster swing in the ninth inning on Wednesday afternoon was a first impression that could resonate throughout the month.

Mojo does not miss. The only current plot for the Sox – beyond their joyous march towards what seems inevitable, a third consecutive title in American League East – is buried at the back of the lineup, both on the bench and in the void. In the last places on their alleged lineup of the American League Division.

The Sox are already 97 victories, their total in the regular season last time they won the World Series in 2013. The manager Alex Cora told reporters in Atlanta before the incredible win on Wednesday morning, 9-8 on the Braves. interested in the franchise record for victories (105). This is in October, then, and find the best list.

The Sox have won 11 pitchers in the ALDS over the past two seasons. Phillips, who spent the entire season in Triple-A, represents a new ride. Without him, and assuming health, here's how the list of Sox players should come out (in no particular order).

CATCHERS

1. Sandy Leon

2. Christian Vazquez

3. Blake Swihart

infielders

4. Alex Bogaerts

5. Rafael Devers

6. Brock Holt

7. Steve Pearce

8. Ian Kinsler

9. Mitch Moreland

10. Eduardo Nunez

outfielders

11. Andrew Benintendi

12. Jackie Bradley Jr.

13. Mookie Betts

14. J. D. Martinez

On the bubble, then, maybe Phillips. (Technically, Dustin Pedroia has not been ruled out, but it's hard to see him contributing to fewer other health issues that force the Sox to follow suit.)

Phillips, 37, has the right to play in the Red Sox playoffs, no matter what you've heard elsewhere. A match will not land there, but if he receives continuous chances and continues to succeed, the debate will probably be centered on his candidacy in relation to how the Sox see their receiver and third base situations.

To carry Phillips, probably one of the catchers – Swihart or Vazquez – or one of the kidnappers – Devers, more likely than Nunez – should go.

Cora said in August that he considered Swihart as his runner. Swihart probably has better speed at this stage of his career, said a scout. Phillips' experience probably gave him a whim in instinct – it's not that Swihart is bad.

But regarding the playoffs, Swihart could be considered more in these terms, rather than as a receiver. Vazquez, recently returned from the disabled list, appears to be online for a lot of play time. If Swihart's value to the Sox's eyes is off the bench and not behind the plate, then he and Phillips could be in direct competition.

Devers has a lot of play time ahead. Even in a platoon, he will get the majority of the looks as he is the left-handed batter, and most throwers are on the right.

In the end, Devers' power potential is hard to put aside a playoff team, a playoff bench, even with its fragile defense.

Nunez is not a big defender at second or second base, and a scout who recently watched Nunez at third base – his most comfortable position – was recently surprised by his poor quality. Yet, he hit hard and it would be difficult to see the Sox forward, given that Cora recently congratulated and challenged Devers to play better.

If Devers and Nunez both succeed, Phillips and Swihart are probably ready for battle. If Devers continues to disappoint, then Phillips and Swihart may be able to catch up with the young third baseman, especially if the only value the Sox see in Devers is defensive.

One thing to note: if the Sox pass to the ALCS, they will probably carry 12 pitchers and 13 players in position, which means that someone – Phillips, who is the proverbial 25th (or 14th) man – will have to be cut off the bench.