'Dodged a bullet': Hoskins (hand) day to day

MIAMI -- If you know Rhys Hoskins' recent September history, then you understand the thought that entered his mind in the third inning Wednesday night at loanDepot park.

“My first thought was, 'Come on, right now?'” Hoskins said on Thursday afternoon.

Hoskins got hit in the right hand with an 88.6 mph changeup in the third inning of a 6-1 victory over the Marlins. He stayed in the game at the time, but he exited the following inning when he had trouble gripping the bat. Hoskins’ hand is bruised and swollen, but not broken. He said he hopes to be back in the Phillies’ lineup as early as Friday in Atlanta. If not Friday, then hopefully before the end of the weekend.

“Dodged a bullet,” Hoskins said. “We've had some bad luck this season with hands, and I’ve had some bad luck here in the past.”

Bryce Harper, Jean Segura and Mickey Moniak each broke a hand or finger this season because of an errant pitch. Hoskins, meanwhile, suffered a freak injury to the UCL in his left elbow with 17 games to play in 2020 in Miami. The Phillies went 5-12 the rest of the way and missed the postseason by one game. Hoskins then missed the final 36 games in 2021 because of a tear in his lower abdomen.

Both injuries required surgery.

But Hoskins really does not want to miss this September. The Phillies have their best chance to make the postseason since he debuted in 2017.

“The reality is I’ll play at some point,” Hoskins said. “Hopefully, it is [Friday]. If not, probably not long after that. It’s going to stink not being out there. But I’ll be excited when I do.”