Philadelphia Phillies Star Having Massive Impact Despite Injury
When Rhys Hoskins suffered a torn ACL, his season was lost.
It didn’t mean that the Philadelphia Phillies’ season was lost, too.
There has been enough of a sample size in 2023 to recognize this fact: the Phillies desperately miss Hoskins.
Not just his statistics. But his leadership.
Obviously, the Phillies could sure use 30 home runs and 80 RBI. Hoskins also draws walks and sees plenty of pitches. The hitters behind him tend to get better pitches because of Hoskins’ presence.
It’s hard to exactly state how Hoskins’ absence has impacted the club.
Watch the Phillies every day and this missing piece is needed.
In every way.
The Phillies have no choice but to continue to play without their coveted first baseman.
Isn’t it ironic how much Hoskins is missed after a large portion of the fans complained about his defense and strikeouts?
Those fans are now seeing Hoskins’ value.
Bryce Harper missed a chunk of games before returning from Tommy John surgery. Darick Hall is sidelined. Kyle Schwarber homered on Sunday but has struggled mightily at the plate this season.
Hoskins would have been a major contributor if healthy.
“The walks. The home runs. The pitch selection. The working counts. It’s another grinder at-bat that’s not there anymore,” manager Rob Thomson said recently. “And the voice in the clubhouse. The leadership. He’s a big part.”
When Hoskins crumpled to the ground on March 23 in spring training, the fear was a lost season. That happened.
The future is murky.
Will Hoskins ultimately re-sign with the Phillies after this injury?
Much of that depends of money. It usually does.
This much we know: Hoskins is needed in Philadelphia. Just watch the games. That's all the proof anyone needs.
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