How the Phillies can replace injured first baseman Rhys Hoskins on their Opening Day roster.
The Philadelphia Phillies season is just a week away, but it seems the club will be without their best left-handed and right-handed-hitting power hitters for a considerable amount of time.
Bryce Harper underwent offseason Tommy John surgery and will be sidelined through at least the end of May. Unfortunately, another significant contributor during the team's magical 2022 postseason run will now be similarly absent in the early months of the upcoming season.
During Thursday's spring training game against the Detroit Tigers, first baseman Rhys Hoskins was carted off the field after suffering a significant, non-contact injury to his left knee while fielding a grounder.
Non contact is never good. Feel terrible for @rhyshoskins
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) March 23, 2023
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The Phillies announced that the 30-year-old will undergo further evaluation and testing, and will provide an update when appropriate. After the game, manager Rob Thomson told reporters that Hoskins was walking around, which seemed like a "good sign.” Unfortunately, the worst-case scenario occurred: Hoskins tore his ACL, requires surgery, and is expected to miss the entire 2023 season.
With Rafael Marchán (hand), Nick Nelson (hamstring), Andrew Painter (elbow), Cristopher Sánchez (triceps), Garrett Stubbs (knee), and Ranger Suárez (elbow) also going through injury woes, things are surely concerning for the reigning National League champions.
Here are the best three options Thomson should consider to replace Hoskins.