MLB fans have seen another star lost to injury ahead of Opening Day, with Phillies first baseman suffering a torn ACL during Thursday's spring training game.
The development was a tough setback for the reigning National League champions, who now must address a void at first base with the removal of Hoskins' potent bat from the lineup.
But it could also herald the end of an era for the Phillies in some ways. With Hoskins slated to hit free agency in the offseason, there's no guarantee he'll be back with the only professional organization he's known.
As Matt Gelb of the The Athletic wrote on Friday, Hoskins saw the Phillies transformed from bumbling also-rans prone to late-season collapses into free-spending World Series contender since his promotion to the big leagues in 2017.
Hoskins himself has at times been the target of fan frustration, given his scorching hot streaks mixed with agonizing slumps.
But with the arrival of additional star power in recent years, the Phillies have been less dependent solely on Hoskins to provide run production, and he has settled in as a dependable thumper and quiet leader.
With the injury, Hoskins joins several everyday players who have suffered serious injuries this spring, including Astros infielder Jose Altuve and Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux, as well as Mets closer Edwin Diaz, who is also out for the season.
On social media, the impact of Hoskins' loss for the season -- and potential exit from Philly -- was a trending topic.
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