Categories: Phillies Beat with Destiny Lugardo

Rhys Hoskins is determined to return to Phillies in 2023

Rhys Hoskins is out for seven to nine months with a torn ACL, but he is determined to beat that timeline. (Cheryl Pursell)

Late October baseball is a long-way off — and far from a guarantee — but Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins is determined to do everything he can to be ready for a late playoff run.

Speaking with reporters in the Phillies clubhouse for the first time since suffering a torn ACL in spring training, Hoskins reiterated that the timeline for a return to action is seven to nine months, but he’s shooting for closer to seven.

“I think every athlete’s mindset is to beat whatever the doctor says,” Hoskins said Monday night. “So I’m going to continue with that. We also have a guy here that, you know, had a similar injury and was able to contribute in the World Series. So I’m going to hold on to that. I’m going to do everything in my power to give myself an opportunity that if and when we are playing in late October, I have a chance to contribute to that.”

Hoskins is referring to teammate Kyle Schwarber, who suffered a full tear of the ACL and MCL in his left knee on April 7, 2016 and had surgery on April 19. He returned on October 25, six months and seven days after surgery, for Game 1 of the World Series.

“He’s been an incredible sounding board for me in this situation just because he went exactly through it and had his sights set on October, right?So yeah, Schwab and I’ve been going back and forth,” Hoskins said. “I’m sure we will throughout the summer as things change and certain deadlines get here, but I’m just thankful that he’s been available to me.”

While Schwarber can guide Hoskins through the process, their situations are not similar. Schwarber was 23 when he suffered the injury. Hoskins is 30. Schwarber was years away from free agency. Hoskins is in a contract year. Hoskins will have to not only ace the rehab, but assure himself that he’s not jeopardizing the rest of his career.

“So far ahead,” Hoskins said when asked about his future. “So much has to happen before I think anything that has to do with my future or a professional contract may or may not look like. Of course, I’ve thought about it and of course I’m disappointed, but right now it’s just about the small wins that I’m going to have to focus on throughout this rehab.”

Hoskins said he felt a pop when he suffered the injury trying to field a ground ball during one of the final days of spring training. He underwent surgery in Texas on Opening Day and will spend six weeks on crutches. The first big milestone, according to Hoskins, is being able to run, which should happen sometime during the middle of summer.

By then, there should be a better sense of whether or not Hoskins could pull off what could be a miraculous comeback. It’s comforting to all involved at this stage that there is hope, but a lot needs to go right for Hoskins to get perhaps one last chance to step up to the plate as a Philadelphia Phillie.

“It’s a special team here,” Hoskins said. “It’s a special group of guys. I think we really have a chance to do something special. I hope that’s not the lasting memory, but I think more importantly, I’m more excited and hopeful that I’ll get to chase what we got to chase last October.”