Phillies’ Rhys Hoskins carted off the field with knee injury
Rhys Hoskins was carted off the field Thursday in Clearwater after injuring his left knee going back on a ground ball at first base. Hoskins appeared to injure the knee as he reached the outfield grass and left his feet in pain.
The game was stopped for about 10 minutes as Hoskins was tended to by Phillies trainers and ballpark EMTs. He was circled by worried teammates.
Hoskins had surgery over the offseason to repair the meniscus in his right knee. The Phillies took it easy with him the first couple weeks of spring training but he’s gotten more work lately, starting six of the last 10 games. He was having a strong spring, hitting .375 with four homers and 10 RBI.
This is a crucial year for Hoskins from personal and team standpoints. He is a free agent after the season and his payday will be determined in part by his 2023 performance. The Phillies obviously need his powerful right-handed bat in the top half of their lineup, especially as they await Bryce Harper’s return from Tommy John surgery.
Hoskins played 156 games last season, hitting .246/.332/.462 with 33 doubles, 30 homers and 79 RBI. He homered six more times in the playoffs.
Injuries are mounting for the Phillies. Ranger Suarez is dealing with a left elbow/forearm injury and Andrew Painter has a sprained right elbow. Backup catcher Garrett Stubbs has a knee injury and third-string catcher Rafael Marchan has a hand injury. Potential long men Nick Nelson (hamstring) and Cristopher Sanchez (triceps) are also hurt.
