That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies look foolish for keeping Rhys Hoskins down for so long

By John Town

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 23: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Freddy Galvis #13 after hitting a three run home run in the bottom of the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on August 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 8-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 23: Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Freddy Galvis #13 after hitting a three run home run in the bottom of the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on August 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Marlins 8-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Since coming up from Triple-A Rhys Hoskins has done nothing but smack baseballs, prompting the question of why the Phillies waited so long to promote him.

Wednesday night Rhys Hoskins launched his seventh home run since being promoted to the Phillies, hitting the ball into the second deck in left field. It was his seventh home run in 14 games since being called up. He is the only Phillie to have that many home runs in such few games to start his career.

After getting off to a slow start – Hoskins went hitless in his first three major-league games – he has been one of the best hitters in baseball. Since Aug. 13, Hoskins is hitting .342 with a 1.389 OPS and 243 wRC+.

Compared to the rest of the league, Hoskins has looked even more impressive. His seven home runs are tied for the most in the majors in that span alongside mashers Gary Sanchez and Josh Donaldson along with future Phillie Manny Machado. His 16 RBI are good for second-most alongside Machado.

More from Phillies News

Even with his poor first three games, Hoskins has a 186 wRC+ and 0.8 fWAR through his first 14 major-league games. Surprisingly, he hasn’t been that terrible in left field wtih a 0.8 UZR through his first 105 innings in left field.

Meanwhile, Tommy Joseph, the player that simply couldn’t be benched for Hoskins, has a .190/.205/.405 line since Hoskins has been called up.

He had a strong day Tuesday with a home run in each of Philadelphia’s games as well as a double during the doubleheader, but otherwise Joseph has produced little, especially compared to Hoskins.

As a whole this year, Joseph has a .239/.293/.429 line with 18 home runs and 60 RBI. His -1.0 fWAR is the worst among qualified first baseman and his 85 wRC+ is second-worst. While his home run and RBI totals lead the team, 85 players have more home runs and 73 have more RBI. It’s not exactly an exclusive club, he just happens to be on a team that has little offensive production.

More from That Balls Outta Here

Despite Jospeph’s struggles and Hoskins’ impressive numbers in Triple-A this year, the Phillies refused to promote Hoskins to the majors and move Joseph out of the lineup. It was only when Aaron Altherr went to the disabled list for the second time that team decided to try out Hoskins in left field and get him some playing time there.

Some insiders said the team is hoping to play Joseph out the rest of the season with the hope he shows enough to garner some trade interest this offseaosn, clearing up space for Hoskins.

Is Matt Klentak really foolish enough to be believe that a team would want to trade for one of the worst first baseman in baseball this year just because he hits an above-average amount of home runs? Home runs come a dime a dozen these days and teams don’t need to trade for a below-replacement hitter to get one.

Next: The case for Juan Samuel as the future manager

There’s simply no reason why Joseph should still be considered the everyday starter at first base with Hoskins mashing all season long, and I don’t think anyone expects him to still be the starter next season.

Home/Phillies News