As the postseason approaches, Philadelphia Phillies’ first baseman Rhys Hoskins finds himself facing an uphill battle to secure a spot on the roster. His recovery from a torn ACL in his left knee has been progressing steadily, but his chances of being cleared in time for the World Series are slim at best. With the World Series scheduled to start on October 27, time is running out for the slugger. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his postseason prospects, Hoskins continues to display encouraging signs of progress. His batting practice sessions have showcased his power as he launches home runs, and he has been averaging about 75 to 80 swings per day.
At just 30 years old, Hoskins is already one of the longest-tenured players on the Phillies roster, second only to Aaron Nola. In the 2020 season, he proved his worth by hitting 30 home runs and driving in 79 RBIs. Unfortunately, his trajectory was derailed by a devastating injury in late March during a spring training game, where he tore his ACL while fielding a grounder. Despite the setback, Hoskins remains determined to make a triumphant return to the lineup.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson has been impressed by Hoskins’ resilience and positive attitude throughout his season-long recovery process. Despite being sidelined, Hoskins has maintained a strong presence in the clubhouse, providing guidance and support to his teammates. Thomson describes him as a leader and a valuable sounding board for the team. Recent developments have brought a renewed sense of hope as Hoskins regains his power and confidence. Thomson reveals that during a recent batting practice session, Hoskins hit multiple balls out of the ballpark, a clear indication of his increasing strength and recovery.
Even if the Phillies secure a spot in the World Series and Hoskins is cleared to play, there are significant challenges ahead. First base is currently occupied by Bryce Harper, leaving little opportunity for Hoskins to reclaim his position. In all likelihood, he would have to assume the role of designated hitter, while defensive liability Kyle Schwarber takes over in left field. Additionally, Hoskins’ absence has paved the way for the emergence of right-handed reliever Orion Kerkering. Kerkering, previously not on the Phillies’ 40-man roster, has impressed with his performances and stands a chance of making the playoff roster as a replacement for an injured player. His presence adds an extra layer of complexity to Hoskins’ potential return.
Orion Kerkering’s debut in the MLB showcased his undeniable talent and potential. With four wins, 14 saves, and an impressive 1.51 ERA across 49 relief appearances in the minor leagues this season, Kerkering has caught the attention of the Phillies’ coaching staff. Thomson envisions him as a high-leverage reliever in the postseason, relying on his devastating slider to overpower opponents. Kerkering’s calm demeanor during his debut highlighted his composure and ability to perform under pressure, further solidifying the organization’s confidence in him.
As the regular season comes to a close, the Phillies are carefully managing Kerkering’s workload and ensuring his development continues. Thomson plans to give Kerkering two days off before pitching him in an inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Following this outing, Kerkering is expected to make at least one more appearance in the season-ending series against the New York Mets. The organization is confident that these opportunities will further showcase his skills and solidify his spot in the postseason roster.
Rhys Hoskins’ journey back from injury has been a rollercoaster of emotions for both the player and the Phillies organization. While his chances of making the postseason roster remain uncertain, Hoskins’ determination and progress in his recovery have provided a glimmer of hope. With Orion Kerkering’s emergence as a promising relief pitcher, the Phillies face tough decisions regarding their roster composition. As the postseason draws near, the team must carefully weigh the potential return of Hoskins against the opportunities presented by Kerkering. Only time will tell how these storylines will unfold, but one thing is certain: the resilient spirit displayed by Hoskins exemplifies the true essence of a competitor.
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