Phillies Slugger Continues to Eye Late Season Return

The Philadelphia Phillies could get back one of their biggest bats on the roster if they're able to make another deep run in the playoffs. Their slugger continues to progress in his rehab and is eyeing a return.

The Philadelphia Phillies are in an interesting spot with a few games left in the regular season.

They know they're going to be the fourth seed when the MLB Playoffs begin, but they don't know who their opponent will be yet, as there's still a lot that can happen in the standings.

It's a good problem to have though. It's better to be in the postseason and resting players late in the year than to be fighting until the very end.

Another good problem for the Phillies to have is that there's a chance they get their big slugger back at some point during the postseason.

There's a possibility that Rhys Hoskins returns to the team if they are able to make the World Series.

He continues to progress in his rehab. He's started taking batting practice more regularly with his most recent session Sept. 28.

According to manager Rob Thomson, Hoskins has started taking around 70-75 swings a day, saying, "It sure looks good" when asked about his swing.

"We’re looking more toward the World Series, if he were to get there," Thomson told MLB.com.

The next step for Hoskins is facing live batting practice. Philadelphia has put together a camp in Clearwater, FL for their 40-man roster to stay ready in case of injury recovery or if they need to get called up.

If the slugger does return for the Phillies during the World Series, he would likely only pinch hit or be in the designated hitter role.

Hoskins is attempting to do the same thing that teammate Kyle Schwarber did when he was with the Chicago Cubs. Come back from a torn ACL before the season started and rejoin the team during the World Series and play.