Rhys Hoskins had an emotional return to Philadelphia.
Rhys Hoskins, Milwaukee Brewers first baseman, returned to Citizens Bank Park on Monday night to face his former Philadelphia Phillies team, and the slugger had an emotional evening.
Hoskins homered on his first visit to Philadelphia since signing with Milwaukee this offseason, but the Brewers lost 3-1.
The 31-year-old, who admitted before the game that he is “kind of a crier,” was able to keep his emotions under control during his first plate appearance, which resulted in a pop out.
“I think I was able to reel it in a little bit, and got right into the at-bat,” Hoskins told ESPN. “I believe there’s something about competing against people you know that makes you focus a little more. But again, the man on the mound [Wheeler] was fairly good tonight, so you better do that, or you won’t have much of a chance.”
Hoskins received a standing ovation from Phillies fans and tipped his cap to appreciate them.
Philadelphia chose not to re-sign Hoskins over the offseason because the team was moving Bryce Harper to first base.
“He’s a man’s man,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson explained. “He is honest. He has a great deal of integrity. He cares about others. He’s clearly a very talented player. He plays the game correctly and with intensity. “He’s simply a pro’s pro.”
Rhys Hoskins has fit right in with the Brewers
Hoskins has been a key part of the Brewers’ offense in the first few months of the 2024 season.
Hoskins has slashed in 41 games.Despite missing a few weeks due to a hamstring ailment, he batted 243/.345/.486 with 10 home runs and 28 RBI. His home run on Monday evening was his first since May 11.
The Sacramento, California native, who played undergraduate baseball at California State, was originally chosen by the Phillies in the fifth round of the 2014 MLB Draft.
He made his major league debut in 2017, hitting.259/.396/.618 with 18 home runs and 48 RBI in 212 plate appearances. The following year, Hoskins set career highs with 34 home runs and 96 RBI while hitting.246/.354/.496.
Hoskins then led the National League in walks in 2019, totaling 116.
He was remarkably steady throughout his time in Philly, only posting an OPS below.800 once (.794 in 2022). A ruptured ACL sidelined Hoskins for the entirety of 2023, depriving him of what would have been his final season in the City of Brotherly Love.
Hoskins hit 30 home runs twice during his career with the Phillies.
The Brewers’ offense has been one of the strongest in baseball this season. It is third in batting average, fourth in OPS, eighth in home runs, and second in runs scored. Hoskins has definitely played a key role in that.
Milwaukee’s record dipped to 36-24 after losing to Philadelphia on Monday. However, the Milwaukee Brewers remain seven games ahead of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. They are looking for their second consecutive division victory and fourth overall since 2018.
