Rhys Hoskins Could Return ‘Ahead of Schedule’ From Torn ACL if Phillies Advance to World Series
While unlikely, the Philadelphia Phillies aren’t ruling out the possibility of having Rhys Hoskins return from a torn ACL this postseason, albeit if they make it to the World Series for a second straight year.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson provided an update on Hoskins’ recovery timeline in an interview with the WIP Morning Show on Wednesday, saying he has progressed quicker than anticipated and could become an option later this fall.
If the 30-year-old did return, he would exclusively be utilized as a designated hitter rather than a first baseman.
“This guy is making a lot of progress now,” Thomson said of Hoskins. “He’s gotta go through a lot more testing with the training staff and with the doctors. But he is now hitting on the field. He’s taken 75, 80, 85 swings a day. He ran the bases the other day.”
“He’s really making a lot of progress and it’s really remarkable to think that we do have a chance to have him back, maybe by the World Series. It’s not out of the question.”
Hoskins tore the ACL in his left knee during spring training, which, at the time, appeared to signal the end of his 2023 season. Now, just six months later, there could be a potential scenario where he’s activated from the 60-day IL before the playoffs conclude.
It is, of course, a long shot, as it would require the Phillies to enjoy another magical run to the World Series – which begins on October 27th. Still, it’s a far better outcome than having zero chance of being able to contribute to the club’s playoff hopes.
Despite spending most of this season away from the big leagues, Hoskins has maintained a positive mindset while rehabbing, which undoubtedly received a boost now that the program is continuing at Citizens Bank Park.
“He’s in really good spirits,” Thomson told reporters on Tuesday. “He feels good about where he’s at. He ran the bases today. He’s a leader. He’s been a great sounding board for these guys. Great knowledge.”
The Phillies have already secured a playoff berth, as they clinched a postseason spot with Tuesday’s 3-2 walk-off victory in extra innings over the Pittsburgh Pirates. If they remain atop the NL wild-card race, they’ll host a best-of-three series beginning October 3rd.
A vacant DH position has allowed Thomson to deploy Kyle Schwarber in that role on most occasions this season. But if Hoskins returned for the World Series, that’d likely mean sticking the left-handed slugger in left field – a less-than-ideal scenario due to his subpar defense.
At the same time, however, it would dramatically lengthen an already stacked lineup headlined by Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, Nick Castellanos and Schwarber.
Hoskins enjoyed one of the top offensive performances of his career in 2022, crushing 30 home runs in 156 games – four off his career-high of 34 in ‘18. He also posted a .246/.332/.462 slash line with 79 RBIs and a 122 wRC+, worth 2.3 fWAR.
The 6-foot-4 righty signed a one-year deal worth $12 million last winter and can become a free agent this off-season.
-Thomas Hall
Twitter: @ThomasHall85
Photo: Ian D’Andrea. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.