As the much-anticipated reunion with fan favorite Rhys Hoskins fast approaches, Philadelphia Phillies fans and the baseball world got a bit of good news about the first baseman’s strained right hamstring and his potential return to the field.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy said on Tuesday that Hoskins was progressing in his running program and is now running on the field, as reported by Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal.
Will former Phillies slugger Rhys Hoskins play when Brewers come to town?
The first-year manager said Hoskins's return from the injured list is possible ahead of next week's three-game series between the Phillies and Brewers at Citizens Bank Park, which starts on Monday, June 3.
The power-hitting right-handed hitter strained his hamstring in a game on May 13 against the Pittsburg Pirates and has been working his way back ever since. Per MLB.com, Hoskins began his running program on May 20.
On the season, he's batting .233 with an OPS of .813. He has hit nine home runs, knocking in 27 RBI, and as Hoskins is known for, he has drawn 18 walks over 38 games. He is likely still getting settled after missing the entirety of last season with a torn ACL and just getting used to playing for his new team after spending all of his career in Philadelphia.
Rhys Hoskins loved Philadelphia and Phillies fans loved him
Hoskins has always been a fan favorite in Philadelphia and both the team and the fans were sad to see him leave this past offseason. There is definitely an extra incentive for Hoskins to make it back from his injury for his first return to Citizens Bank Park.
He always loved the city of Philadelphia, and he proved it with his level of play at home compared to on the road. He hit .258/.368/.529 at home and the numbers dipped while away to .227/.339/.456. The last time the 31-year-old first baseman graced the field at The Bank was when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the start of the Phillies' 2023 postseason run.
Whether Hoskins is on the field playing or sitting out the series, the reception for him is expected to be loud and welcoming.