Dombrowski addresses Phils’ post-Hoskins plan; Hall likely to assume 1B
CLEARWATER, Fla. — After the possible season-ending harm to Rhys Hoskins on Thursday, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski mentioned on Friday morning that the membership is getting ready for Darick Hall to turn out to be the on a regular basis first baseman because the common season attracts nearer.
Dombrowski mentioned that Hoskins, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee throughout the second inning of Thursday’s Grapefruit League sport in opposition to the Tigers, will search a second opinion, however he could be “shocked’’ if the method doesn’t contain rapid surgical procedure and a rehabilitation interval of greater than seven months.
The non-contact harm, which occurred when Hoskins tried to subject a high-hopping grounder, surprised the Phillies’ clubhouse. After Hoskins crumpled onto the grass in brief proper subject, his teammates knelt by his aspect earlier than he was taken off the sector in a cart. Afterward, the stone-faced gamers spoke in hushed tones about Hoskins, who has averaged 30 house runs within the 4 full seasons since 2018 and usually serves because the membership’s spokesman and inspirational chief.
Hall, a 6-foot-4, 232-pound left-handed hitter, smacked 9 house runs and batted .250 in 41 Major League video games final season. The 27-year-old has displayed energy all through his Minor League profession, together with 28 homers and 88 RBIs in 101 video games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Hall was batting .319 this spring with 5 homers and 11 RBIs in 16 video games heading into Friday evening’s contest in opposition to the Blue Jays. He would have most well-liked to extend his taking part in time via one other methodology, however he says he’s grateful for any alternatives.
“I really feel like I’m able to step up and assist this group and have a significant position,’’ Hall mentioned earlier than Friday evening’s Grapefruit League sport in opposition to the Blue Jays at TD Ballpark, the place he opened at designated hitter within the lineup. “I’m simply excited for this 12 months with this group. It’s by no means been a greater time to be a part of this group.’’
Hall mentioned he was nonetheless a bit shaken over witnessing the harm to Hoskins.
“It was actually unlucky,’’ Hall mentioned. “He’s an important man and an important teammate. It was simply the sensation of watching a man [everyone] likes and simply the sort of sorrow when one thing like that occurs, a freak accident.
“When one thing like that occurs, it strikes the guts of each athlete I do know, simply that feeling of making an attempt to get wholesome and nonetheless climbing that mountain. I’ve by no means seen something like that. It was a non-contact harm. What was bizarre was there was no twisting of the foot. Maybe he simply had a lot pressure on one leg. It was only a horrible factor.’’
Dombrowski mentioned that he and the Phillies’ employees already had Friday afternoon conferences beforehand scheduled to debate mix-and-match prospects for the ultimate roster composition.
“There are quite a lot of subjects to debate, and this may give us an additional subject,’’ Dombrowski mentioned. “But I do really feel snug saying we like Darick Hall lots. We really feel he’ll get nearly all of taking part in time at first. We assume he’s able to step up and be a giant league participant.
“You can at all times get higher, and you retain your choices open. But we’re snug with Darick. He labored with us in Arizona with Kevin Long over the lengthy haul within the winter. Kevin mentioned Darick was getting higher and higher on a regular basis, closing his holes on the plate. He’s stable first baseman. He’s a giant man. He catches the ball. He has arm. He’s at all times had energy. We felt snug even final 12 months that he may play on the massive league degree.’’
Another first-base choice is to slip over third baseman Alec Bohm, a right-handed batter, in opposition to lefties. The Phillies may then cowl third with versatile platoon gamers, similar to Edmundo Sosa or Josh Harrison.
“I feel we’re open to quite a lot of issues at this level,’’ Dombrowski mentioned. “[Hoskins’ injury] simply occurred final evening, so we haven’t even had an opportunity to speak to our gamers about a few of the situations that would exist.’’
One factor appears sure, although. The Phillies should transfer ahead with out Hoskins, who will turn out to be a free agent after this season. Dombrowski wouldn’t speculate whether or not Hoskins has performed his closing sport in a Phillies uniform, however he acknowledged Hoskins’ rapid absence shall be felt significantly.
“It’s very unlucky for him and for us … and I actually really feel for him,’’ Dombrowski mentioned. “He’s the last word gamer. He’s a powerful particular person and he form of takes issues matter-of-factly within the sense that, ‘OK, I’ve obtained to sort out this and I’ll come out of the opposite aspect.’ But, in fact, he was downtrodden, which is comprehensible.
“He’s in nice form. He has been having spring. He’s a stalwart, a man who’s just like the spine of a company. He’s very constant, and principally you possibly can spherical it to 30 house runs and 80 to 100 RBIs. He’s revered within the clubhouse and he’s a pillar in the neighborhood. He’s what we’re all about — decided, a winner, a championship-type participant.’’
Dombrowski mentioned the Phillies’ accidents — most prominently, Hoskins’ ACL tear and Bryce Harper’s Tommy John surgical procedure, which may maintain him out till the All-Star break — haven’t dampened his confidence within the membership’s plans to stay a National League contender.
“We’ve obtained membership, and also you’re at all times going to must take care of some points,’’ Dombrowski mentioned. “We will get guys again throughout the 12 months, a few of them in a short time. I feel we’re deep sufficient from a participant perspective [to weather injuries]. It’s group.’’
