The Philadelphia Phillies seem poised to make another deep run in the MLB Postseason after finishing runner-up to the Houston Astros last season, but they may have a serious issue with slugger Rhys Hoskins. The first baseman took an awkward fall when fielding a ground ball during the Spring Training game against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday and immediately reached for his left knee. The Phillies World Series odds took a dip immediately following the injury.
Oh man, Rhys Hoskins goes down on a routine grounder. Doesn’t look good. pic.twitter.com/AfaTOhl6R2
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrown0914) March 23, 2023
Rhys Hoskins Injury: Phillies World Series Odds Take Dive
Per DraftKings Sportsbook, the Phillies World Series odds sat at 13-1 after signing star shortstop Trea Turner in the offseason. Those odds shifted slightly to 14-1 over the course of the offseason. Following the Rhys Hoskins injury, the Phillies now sit at 17-1 (on DraftKings Sportsbook).
Hoskins has been a member of the Phillies since his rookie 2017 season and was instrumental in the team’s signing of Bryce Harper prior to the 2019 season. Hoskins finished second on the Phillies in both home runs (30) and RBIs (79) in 2022.
The Phillies first baseman is entering the final year of his contract with the Phillies, admitting earlier in Spring Training that this was one of the bigger years of his career.
“To me, every year is a big year. That’s the nature of the business, in my opinion. And that’s the way I look at it, “Hoskins said, per Clutch Points. “I’m excited about our team, I can tell you that. I had the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball last summer and I know we have a really good chance to do that again.”
Hoskins has been a stalwart in the Phillies lineup since his call up to the big leagues, but he is already entering his age-30 season and has failed to hit above .250 in any full year of his career. The Phillies undoubtedly lean on his power (especially with Harper missing the start of the year with his own injury), but it is unclear if there is a future for him in Philadelphia.
Now, the main focus for Rhys Hoskins will be on the knee injury suffered just ahead of Opening Day next week. Based on the Phillies’ World Series odds, they would miss the first baseman dearly if he does, in fact, have to miss an extended period of time.
