Rhys Hoskins returns to lineup, Thomson reveals Wheeler’s piggyback partner

A key hitter in the Phillies lineup is back after a brief absence.

Rhys Hoskins is batting second and playing first base in the series finale against the Atlanta Braves. The 29-year-old has not played since Wednesday in Miami when he was hit in the hand on a pitch from Edward Cabrera.

X-Rays came back negative, but both Hoskins and Rob Thomson have exercised caution with the injury. Per MLB.com, Hoskins took full batting practice in the cages on Saturday. The swelling has kept him out of the lineup over the last three games, but his right hand has improved enough for both parties to feel comfortable with having him in the lineup.

They’re going to need him.

The Phillies are trying to avoid a sweep at the hands of Ronald Acuña Jr. and the Atlanta Braves. Acuña has single-handily taken over the series. He’s 3-for-7 with two home runs, a double and six RBIs. The 24-year-old also made a spectacular catch in right field to rob Bryce Harper of multiple RBIs in Saturday’s game. He’s also shown off his arm and almost nabbed Bryson Stott at home on a fly ball that looked like an automatic run scored.

They’ll face Braves rookie sensation Spencer Strider, who is 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA in 15 1/3 innings this season against the Phillies.

Syndergaard to piggyback Wheeler

Zack Wheeler (right forearm tendinitis) will return to the Phillies rotation on Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Phillies will gradually stretch him back out and pair him with Noah Syndergaard for his first two starts, according to Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

This means Bailey Falter, Sunday’s starter, will stay in the rotation. Everyone else will also stay on turn. Thomson also mentioned that Syndergaard will likely start a doubleheader game in two weeks against the Washington Nationals.

That means the Phillies rotation will look like this during the final homestand of the season:

• Tuesday vs. Blue Jays: RHP Kyle Gibson
• Wednesday vs. Blue Jays: RHP Zack Wheeler and RHP Noah Syndergaard
• Thursday vs. Braves: LHP Ranger Suárez
• Friday vs. Braves: RHP Aaron Nola
• Saturday vs. Braves: LHP Bailey Falter
• Sunday vs. Braves: RHP Kyle Gibson

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