CLEARWATER, Fla. - Even after backing off a tentative plan of playing Rhys Hoskins on Sunday, the Phillies remain optimistic that he will be ready to play in Thursday's season opener.
"The game plan is for him to play [Monday] and be ready for opening day," manager Gabe Kapler said. "We feel confident in that."
Hoskins, the team's first baseman and cleanup hitter, has not played since last Sunday when he hurt his left shoulder taking an awkward swing. An MRI showed no structural damage and Hoskins has continued to do drills. The Phils had hoped to play Hoskins on Sunday, but he was held out of the game against Baltimore. He was able to take batting practice.
"There's been steady improvement but there's still a little bit of soreness," Kapler said. "Rhys is very important to us and our season and we're always going to lean toward the side of caution, expecially this close to opening day. We wanted to give him some extra time to improve."
Hoskins said much of the same: There's still a little soreness, he's improving and he'll be ready for opening day. He said he was confident that he would play in the team's final Grapefruit League game on Monday afternoon against Tampa Bay in Clearwater.
The Phillies' lineup Sunday reflected some concern for Hoskins. Maikel Franco moved over from third base and started at first for the second time in three games. He is essentially the team's backup first baseman. Scott Kingery started at third base. If Hoskins were to miss any time, this would be how the Phillies would cover him. At the moment, however, the team is confident that Hoskins will not miss any time.
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