Philadelphia Phillies Not Ruling Out Hoskins for an NLCS Return

Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson provided an update on the progress of injured first baseman Rhys Hoskins on Sunday.

The Philadelphia Phillies may not be closing the door on making first baseman Rhys Hoskins available for the National League Championship Series.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson spoke to the media on Sunday in Philadelphia as part of workout day at Citizens Bank Park, as the Phillies are preparing for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Game 1 on Monday evening.

Thomson didn’t say whether or not Hoskins would be on the roster when it’s released on Monday morning. But, he did say that Hoskins is doing everything but fielding balls, per MLB.com. He is also taking live batting practice, and has been doing so during the postseason at the team’s facility in Clearwater, Fla.

The injured slugger also threw out the first pitch for Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series.

Hoskins tore the ACL in his knee late March during Spring Training and was moved to the 60-day injured list. He was ruled out for the regular season, but Philadelphia left the door slightly ajar for the playoffs. When the postseason started it was believed if the Phillies made the World Series Hoskins might be available.

Given the universal designated hitter, Hoskins doesn’t have to play in the field to contribute. The Phillies took that approach with Bryce Harper after he tore the UCL in his throwing arm and needed Tommy John surgery.

Harper played exclusively at DH before surgery last offseason, and then played at DH to start this season until he was capable of playing in the field at first base.

NLCS: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

(Best-of-7 series, all times eastern)

Game 1: Arizona at Philadelphia, Monday, 8:07 p.m., TBS

Game 2: Arizona at Philadelphia, Tuesday, 8:07 p.m., TBS

Game 3: Philadelphia at Arizona, Thursday, 5:07 p.m., TBS

Game 4: Philadelphia at Arizona, Friday, 8:07 p.m., TBS

Game 5: Philadelphia at Arizona, Saturday, Oct. 21, 8:07 p.m., TBS*

Game 6: Arizona at Philadelphia, Monday, Oct. 23, 5:07 p.m., TBS*

Game 7: Arizona at Philadelphia, Tuesday, Oct. 24 8:07 p.m., TBS*

*-if necessary