2023 Phils Spring Training News and Discussion

[zambonir]

I had a story open about it that updated before I could read it. Such a bummer.

Phillies 1B Rhys Hoskins underwent an MRI today that revealed a left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear that will require surgery. The recommended surgery is an ACL reconstruction. Additional details regarding the surgery, including the date and surgeon, are to be determined.

— Philadelphia Phillies ( @Phillies ) March 23, 2023

Incidentally:

when he was asked Thursday if he still had his first-base mitt, Schwarber succinctly replied: No, no, NO.”

Rhys Hoskins' knee injury casts pall over Phillies' upbeat spring

[BaseballCat]

I feel horrible for Rhys. He is a key component of the club house. I did not think they should sign him long term, but I did not want it to end this way. He was having a great spring. I wanted him to make it hard to say goodbye. We will see what happens. Good luck Rhys.

[schillingfan]

This makes me very sad. Such a great guy. I believe his presence will be misssed.

[Austinfan]

On the other hand, it's a great opportunity for Hall, who was in danger of aging out of his shot at the Show, and now he'll get a chance to play every day. One man's misfortune becomes another man's opportunity.

And it opens an avenue for De La Cruz, who they started working at 1B last season and will probably play there full time In AAA in light of Hoskin's injury.

Hoskins may come back on a one year deal just b/c coming off an ACL at 31, he's unlikely to get a multiple season deal at decent money until he proves himself 100%. This also may make him a full-time DH.

[zambonir]

I don't think Hall will play that much more than he was already going to play, it will just be at 1B instead of DH. He still won't face LHP with so many other RHB options (regardless of how the pieces fit exactly).

A lot of us had ideas about how the Phillies could move on from Rhys early, and some people were even booing him in the World Series. So now we find out. It is very sad though, and I don't think he'll be that easy to replace so long as Harper is also out. And Castellanos wasn't exactly on fire at spring training either.

I doubt any team was going to sign Hoskins to a nice free agent contract to play 1B, he was already going to be a DH more often than not once he left Philly.

[Austinfan]

Harper was going to be the DH when he returned (in June, July?) so this gives Hall the chance to build a ML career.

[andyb]

This might actually improve Hoskins' chances of staying if he wants a 1-year deal to prove he is healthy.

Hall will get his chance because the team has no other good options. He'll start against RHP but likely see his fair share of LHP since pitchers will not face him a 3rd time generally. Let's hope he does well though I imagine we'll see more of Sosa and Harrison in various combinations.

[gmwannabe]

very sad to see this from a non baseball side. he seems like a great guy. from a baseball side, it will be tough to replace 30-35 homers. I guess Hall will get his chance, and I hope they give him a good shot. Although, Wingrove is lurking. A Wally Pipp situation??
gm

[zambonir]

Well, I suppose that's true. He gets a longer runway both in terms of how many ABs and the fact that he won't be immediately buried on the bench (or in AAA) when Harper returns. I guess I just don't think that's actually going to change his career trajectory. I suppose if he were to put up a .900 OPS the first half of this season at either position he'd have either become tradeable or put himself in the mix for next year, and that could still happen. But he's probably going to have some struggles - and already has in terms of Ks and OBP - and won't get the sort of longer leash Stott and Marsh have.

I still gotta wonder about Harper and 1B, both this year (a lot less stress on the elbow/throwing than in RF) and long-term (since even in his MVP season he was still not a plus fielder anymore). And if Hall totally bombs Bohm could end up there with Sosa, Harrison, Kingery and Clemens all capable of playing 3B.

[Aquapong]

Well that sucks. This puts even more pressure on Castellanos to produce.

[David_Criss]

Hate to lose Hoskins on so many levels.

What to do:
Keep current roster - Hall is primary 1B when facing a right-handed starter - Bohm plays 1B against lefties with Sosa at 3B - coupled with Cave plays left or right with Schwarber or Castellanos becoming the DH

This suddenly improves Clemens chances of making the team to be the left-handed bat off the bench

or do they sign Luke Voit?

Is a trade brewing for a DH or 1B?

[fish]

or do they sign Luke Voit?

Interestingly enough, Voit is actually not very good against lefty pitching. Gurriel is though (his numbers last year were more average but were exceptional before that)

[andyb]

Yeah I was looking at Voit and was kind of shocked to see the reverse splits. And it is almost every year in his career except last year. Gurriel is interesting though one wonders at age 38 if he is done.

I am sure they will scan the waiver wire. But really if the options are not much better than Kingery there is a question of why sign anyone until you see if Hall can't do the job. Kingery won't play 1B, but if he makes the team it will push somebody like Harrison into the 1B platoon at bats. I don't think either Ortiz or De La Cruz will really help this year, but each should get some 1B time at AAA and AA respectively.

[zambonir]

The stories have also noted that Clemens isn't terrible against lefty pitching (though of course he has yet to be any good at all in MLB).

I reckon the last thing they really need is a pure DH/1B. If anything they might try again on the RHB who can play CF (but yes, that could also be Kingery. And he probably could play 1B. Utley did. I think even Galvis spent a few games there.

[Austinfan]

Don't think they've ever used Ortiz at 1B.
They did use De La Cruz there last season at Lehigh, and I expect him to start there this season give Hoskin's injury.

That's going to be a loaded AAA team, which bears watching b/c injuries are inevitable:
Marchan C, De La Cruz 1B, Kingery?/Dunn 2B, Rojas LF, Muzzioti CF, Ortiz RF.

[andyb]

They have not used Ortiz there (because he is actually at least an average defensive OF with a good arm) but it has always been in his long term profile.

De La Cruz has barely played AA. No reason to rush him to AAA. I expect he starts at AA and Ortiz at AAA and they will reevaluate as the season progresses.

[zambonir]

Right he just had a first baseman's body didn't he?

I wouldn't say that team is "loaded" in that not one person on that list actually yet projects as a surefire everyday major leaguer (with Rojas perhaps the closest depending on his bat). But it is usable depth

[andyb]

I am pretty high on Muzziotti contributing this year. It really looked like he took a step forward late last year when he finally had a healthy stretch. He is not better than Marsh now, but I think he'll contribute this year at some point.

[zambonir]

Kind of the forgotten man - seems to me he might actually be the guy you trade at some point so long as Marsh (who is only one year older) improves and Rojas stays on track.

[andyb]

Fangraphs summary here. Pretty much everything we have discussed.

Rhys Is in Pieces, and the Phillies Are Left To Pick Them Up