Oct 31, 2022; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins warms up before playing against the Houston Astros in game three of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: World Series-Houston Astros at Philadelphia Phillies
(New York, NY) — An MRI conducted on Thursday made the Philadelphia Phillies’ worst fears come true. It revealed 1B Rhys Hoskins has torn his ACL.
Hoskins has not been ruled out for the season, but the standard recovery for a ACL is about nine months. A date for the surgery has not been set, but president Dave Dombrowski is expected to speak with the media Friday to share additional details.
Hoskins was carted off the field during Wednesday’s spring training game against the Tigers, seemingly twisting his knee as he back-peddled for a high-bouncing grounder and awkwardly fell to the ground. Teammates quickly waved for medical help as Hoskins grabbed his leg. The slugger carted off the field.
“It was quiet,’’ Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson said. “Nobody was saying a word.’’
“I just put my hand on his shoulder, but you know, no words needed to be said right there,’’ said right fielder Nick Castellanos. “What is there really to say? Everybody knows exactly what’s going on. When something like that happens, it’s not taken lightly. Our hearts are so heavy for him because we all know how much he means to this team, the clubhouse, the camaraderie,” Castellanos added.
One internal option for the Phills, is left-handed-hitting Darick Hall, who had 18 extra-base hits in 142 plate appearances last summer filling in for Bryce Harper. Third baseman Alec Bohm also has some familiarity with the first base position, having 10 appearances there in 2022. If they go with this option, Edmundo Sosa can take over at third.
Exploring a trade is always a possibility as well.
Hoskins is in his final season before entering free agency next winter. The six-year veteran agreed to a one-year deal worth $12 million on Jan. 13, avoiding an arbitration hearing with the Phillies.
