Taking an ace deep: Hoskins makes first Crew HR count

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rhys Hoskins is back on the home run board.

The slugger delivered his first big swing in a Brewers uniform on Tuesday, crushing a majestic home run off ace Logan Webb during a 13-8 loss to the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium.

It was a vintage Hoskins homer -- a skyscraper to deep left field, just like the ones he hit over and over during his six years with the Phillies.

"Obviously you want to make sure it's still in there," Hoskins said. "I always say this every spring: You've got to hit one or two, just to give yourself a little confidence. But usually no more than that -- you don't want to waste 'em."

Home run power like that is exactly what the Brewers envisioned when they signed Hoskins to transform the middle of their order, even after he missed all of the 2023 season with a torn ACL. Batting in the cleanup spot and taking one of the league's best pitchers deep is a pretty good sign he's still got it.

There should be a lot more home runs from Hoskins in Milwaukee in 2024. He's a hitter who's averaged almost 30 homers a year in his five full Major League seasons -- including 30 on the dot in 2022, plus six more on the Phillies' pennant run.

But that first one meant a little more to him this year, even though it's only Spring Training.

"I think so, right? It's only natural, I think, just to wonder," Hoskins said. "Not really to doubt, but just to wonder. Just because it's been so long. So yeah, it's nice to get one early."

The fact that his first Brewers homer came off a pitcher of Webb's caliber was just gravy in his mind. To Hoskins, the most important thing was that he belted one in Cactus League play. He's been hitting homers off the Brewers' pitchers in live batting practice all spring -- including ace Freddy Peralta -- but that's just not quite the same.

"I think it's more about doing it in a game situation against another team," Hoskins said. "Obviously against one of the league's best is always good, but I think it's more important just for it to be at game speed."