Former Phillies Slugger Antagonizing NL East Rival Mets

Rhys Hoskins may no longer be a Philadelphia Phillies, but the new Milwaukee Brewer is certainly playing the New York Mets like he’s a Phillie.

Mar 30, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Rhys Hoskins (12) / Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies lost Rhys Hoskins to free agency after they opted to move Bryce Harper to first base full-time. Hoskins found work with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Brewers opened the season in New York against the Mets, and it’s like Hoskins is still wearing Phillies red.

On Saturday, in the seventh of the second game of their three-game series, Mets reliever Yohan Ramírez threw a 94 mile-per-hour fastball behind the right-handed hitting Hoskins, which resulted in Ramírez’s ejection from the game.

Hoskins ducked the pitched and glared a bit at the right-hander, but never made a move toward starting anything even though Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez stepped between the pair as Ramírez made his way to the plate.

Yohan Ramírez gets a standing ovation from the crowd at Citi Field for throwing a 94-mph fastball behind Rhys Hoskins.

And now, after a delay, Ramírez has been ejected. pic.twitter.com/HoXWEC4os3

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 30, 2024

Hoskins didn’t like but Mets fans did as they showered Ramírez with a standing ovation as he left the game.

Hoskins hit his first home run as a Brewer in the third inning of the game, a two-run shot off new Mets starter Luis Severino.

Rhys Hoskins connects for his 1st @Brewers home run! pic.twitter.com/zKsGo6xOQ8

— MLB (@MLB) March 30, 2024

But that’s probably not why Ramírez threw behind Hoskins. For that, you have to go back to Friday’s Opening Day game at Citi Field.

During that game, Hoskins was at first base when a ground ball was hit to the third base side of the field. Hoskins slid into second base and made contact with Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil, who was trying to turn a double play.

If you’re that chapped about a slide, then do something about it rather than wait for umpires/teammates to get between you…McNeil had the opportunity all to himself. Good hard-nosed baseball.pic.twitter.com/PTYnm1fGfL

— Victor Rojas (@VictorRojas) March 29, 2024

McNeil took exception to the contact and the pair exchanged words as Hoskins got up. Eventually, the second-base umpire got between the two of them and the benches started to clear. But neither came close a fight.

But that wasn’t all.

Later, McNeil watched the play on the video board and had more words for Hoskins, who was now in the dugout.

*After watching the replay on the jumbotron*
Jeff: "You think that's f***** okay?"
Rhys: "What's wrong with that?"
Rhys: 😫
Jeff: *silence*
Damn! pic.twitter.com/NClIdLhM5N

— Dominic Cotroneo (@Dom_Cotroneo) March 29, 2024

Hoskins seemed to end the debate by using a “cry-baby” motion with his hands in McNeil’s direction.

Then, on Saturday, after he hit his first home run with Milwaukee, he used the motion again with his teammates.

the celebration taking over the world pic.twitter.com/QupHJv8RWY

— Nathan (@NathanJH31) March 30, 2024

So you can take the guy out of Philadelphia but you can’t take Philadelphia out of the guy, it would appear.