Phillies: Pete Mackanin proving hypocrisy with Rhys Hoskins
By John Town
Phillies manager Pete Mackanin was so hesitant to put Rhys Hoskins in the lineup over Tommy Joseph at first, yet Hoskins bats cleanup over Joseph.
For the fourth time since he was called up to the majors, Rhys Hoskins batted cleanup for the Phillies Monday night. He recorded his second and third career major-league hits, both of which were home runs. Hopefully they are the first two of many here in Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, Tommy Joseph, the first baseman that Mackanin simply can’t move out of the starting lineup for Hoskins, went 1-for-5 with a run scored. Since Hoskins has been called up, Joseph has a .235 on-base percentage with four hits.
As a whole this season, Joseph has been a well-below average hitter. His 88 wRC+ and -0.7 fWAR are the worst among qualified National League first baseman. Yet, Mackanin has wanted Joseph in the lineup over Hoskins at first base all season. The only reason Hoskins is in the majors now is because of Aaron Altherr’s hamstring injury.
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When Hoskins was first called up, he batted seventh. In the next four games, he batted cleanup. Hoskins, who just a week earlier was in Triple-A, was already batting cleanup over guys that had been in the majors all season. If Mackanin didn’t want Hoskins here over Joseph, it sure seems funny that Hoskins has been the cleanup hitter since his promotion.
Ever since he became manager, Mackanin has been hesitant to play prospects over his everyday starters.
Nick Williams and Hoskins are both in the lineup because of injuries. Jorge Alfaro has played just three games since being promoted behind the plate while Cameron Rupp remains in the lineup.
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For Hoskins to stay in the lineup whenever Altherr returns, he might have to hit .500 to play at first over Joseph. Mackanin seemingly doesn’t want to take Joseph out of the lineup for Hoskins, but he will certainly bat him cleanup over Joseph.