The Phillies were already set to defend their NL pennant without Bryce Harper for a portion of the season. Now, their lineup has lost another power bat.
First baseman Rhys Hoskins was carted off the field after going down with a non-contact injury during Wednesday's spring training game against the Tigers, putting a cloud over a team with championship hopes just a week before Opening Day.
The Phillies announced the severity of the injury Thursday night, and the news was not positive.
Hoskins is one of baseball's streakiest hitters, but he is as productive as any power hitter in the National League when he's in a groove. The 30-year-old hit .246 with 30 home runs, 79 RBIs and a .794 OPS last season, and then came through in the postseason with clutch home runs for the Phillies.
A free agent after the 2023 season, Hoskins was heading into this year with eyes on building his value and cashing in next winter. That plan has been scuttled.
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Here's what we know about Hoskins' injury status after he went down Thursday.
Rhys Hoskins injury update
Hoskins suffered a non-contact left knee injury while fielding a ground ball against the Tigers on Thursday.
Hoskins was trying to handle the grounder just behind the infield dirt when he went down in a heap and wasn't able to get up. Medical personnel tended to Hoskins for a few minutes until a cart was brought out to take him off the field.
Rhys Hoskins injured his knee and was carted off in Clearwater
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 23, 2023
It could be a bad left knee injury 🙏 pic.twitter.com/p7tk0LL3uC
The Phillies announced Thursday night that an MRI exam revealed Hoskins suffered an ACL tear and reconstructive surgery is recommended.
Phillies 1B Rhys Hoskins underwent an MRI today that revealed a left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear that will require surgery. The recommended surgery is an ACL reconstruction. Additional details regarding the surgery, including the date and surgeon, are to be determined.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 23, 2023
Phillies manager Rob Thomson was interviewed during the game and called Hoskins' injury "concerning" but tried to be optimistic.
"Maybe it was more fear than pain. They said he was walking around in the clubhouse afterwards," Thomson told NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Rob Thomson on the NBC Sports Philadelphia: "It's concerning. I'm not sure what it is yet. They're checking him out now. ... He's had some knee issues in the past. Maybe it was more fear than pain. They said he was walking around in the clubhouse afterwards."
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) March 23, 2023
Non-contact injuries have caused problems for two other NL contenders this spring. Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux went down with a torn ACL on a non-contact play earlier in March, and Mets closer Edwin Diaz suffered a torn patellar tendon during a postgame celebration at the World Baseball Classic. Both are expected to miss the entire season. Hoskins' season is likely over, as well.
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With Hoskins out long term, Darick Hall could be in line for a more significant role. Hall, 27, hit nine home runs and posted an .804 OPS (121 OPS+) in 142 plate appearances for the Phillies last season as a rookie.
Rhys Hoskins contract
Hoskins is in his final season of team control before becoming a free agent next offseason.
We love you, Rhys ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JZPaKgsiMG
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 23, 2023
The six-year MLB veteran agreed to a one-year contract worth $12 million on Jan. 13, avoiding an arbitration hearing with the Phillies.
A fifth-round draft pick of the Phillies in 2014, Hoskins made $7.7 million in 2022.
