PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Nearly two weeks since Rhys Hoskins had ACL surgery, which is expected to keep him out for at least the regular season, the Phillies first baseman is maintaining a positive attitude.
Hoskins tore his left ACL on a play with no contact near the end of spring training. It’s a brutal reality, especially because this is a contract year for the longtime Phillie, and the team is striving to build off an incredible 2022 postseason.
“I often find myself asking why, trying to figure out the answer,” Hoskins told media in the Phillies clubhouse Monday, speaking publicly for the first time since his injury. “Sometimes there isn’t and that’s just kind of how it goes. But again, I think being here with these guys, trying to be as engaged as I can about what’s going on in the field is best.”
Hoskins has a seven- to nine-month recovery and rehab ahead of him, but he plans to be around the team as much as possible. While they can’t utilize his right-handed bat right now, the Phillies can still benefit from his clubhouse leadership.
“He’s always upbeat,” said manager Rob Thomson. “He’s always positive. He always has a good sense of what’s going on and what to say at the right time, and that’s part of his great clubhouse makeup.”
Hoskins will be on crutches for about six weeks, and then he’ll need to build strength in his quad. He said the first big milestone will be jogging and running in about three months.
Back at the ballpark for the homestand, Hoskins helped his fellow injured teammate, Bryce Harper, raise the National League Champion pennant high above Ashburn Alley. Hoskins got another rousing ovation when he received his NL champion ring over the weekend, tipping his cap to the fans.
In addition to the adulation at Citizens Bank Park, there has been an outpouring of well-wishes on social media. Many have donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, a cause near and dear to Hoskins and his wife, Jayme.
“It’s been overwhelming, really, in an amazing way,” Hoskins said. “I think it just goes back to what’s at the core of the city, and that’s love.”
Hoskins hopes falling to the ground in Clearwater isn’t the lasting memory of him as a Phillie. He is the longest-tenured position player on the team. He is homegrown — drafted by the organization — and has embraced Philadelphia with his wife after growing up in northern California.
His epic bat spike in Game 3 of last season’s NLDS against the Braves — the first postseason game at Citizens Bank Park in more than a decade — will forever be an iconic moment in Phillies history.
Hoskins hopes to make more memories like that after his recovery. He wants to push that timeframe to the test and be able to return if the Phils go on a Red October run in 2023.
“I’m going to do everything in my power to give myself an opportunity that if and when we are playing in late October, I have a chance to contribute to that,” he said.