The Phillies have homered their way to a second consecutive NLCS appearance, however, the club could be adding another power bat to its lineup.
Infielder Rhys Hoskins has not played this entire season after tearing an ACL in spring training, but that could be changing for the championship series against the Diamondbacks. The Philadelphia veteran reportedly is on the verge of a return, and could be added to the Phils’ roster for the NLCS.
Hoskins, 30, played a major role last year during the Phillies’ run to the World Series. Though he batted only .159 over the course of the postseason, Hoskins blasted six home runs, tying Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper for the lead on the team.
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Here is more information on when Hoskins could potentially make his 2023 debut for Philadelphia:
When will Rhys Hoskins return?
Phillies manager Rob Thomson on Sunday would not confirm or deny Hoskins’ status for the NLCS.
Thomson mentioned that Hoskins was doing everything except for fielding ground balls. That included live batting practice, which is considered a major step needed before returning to the diamond.
Rob Thomson did not say whether Rhys Hoskins will be on the NLCS roster, but Thomson did acknowledge Hoskins is doing everything except field ground balls. Hoskins is taking live at-bats. We’ll know his status by tomorrow morning’s roster deadline. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) October 15, 2023
Philadelphia is required to submit its NLCS roster before Game 1 on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park. So fans will know well before first pitch whether or not Hoskins will be a part of the squad facing Arizona.
Rhys Hoskins injury update
Hoskins has not played in a meaningful game yet this season. The Phillies first baseman suffered a torn ACL late in spring training that has kept him sidelined for the year.
On the play he was injured, Hoskins was trying to handle a ground ball just behind the infield dirt when he went down and wasn’t able to get up. Medical personnel tended to Hoskins for a few minutes until a cart was brought out to take him off the field.
Rhys Hoskins injured his knee and was carted off in Clearwater
It could be a bad left knee injury 🙏 pic.twitter.com/p7tk0LL3uC
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 23, 2023
The Phillies later said that an MRI exam revealed that Hoskins suffered an ACL tear and reconstructive surgery was recommended.
Phillies 1B Rhys Hoskins underwent an MRI today that revealed a left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear that will require surgery. The recommended surgery is an ACL reconstruction. Additional details regarding the surgery, including the date and surgeon, are to be determined.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 23, 2023
Surgery was performed by Dr. Steve Singleton in Fort Worth, Texas. At the time of the operation, it was reported that Hoskins’ recovery timeline would be seven to nine months.
If Hoskins were to return, he would be coming back earlier in the timeline than expected. He underwent surgery on one of the final days of March, so an NLCS return would technically be before the seven-month mark.
