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X-rays negative on Phillies’ Rhys Hoskins’ right hand after hit-by-pitch scare

Diagnosed him with a bruise, Hoskins is unlikely to play in Thursday's series finale in Miami.

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins gestures during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in Miami. The Phillies won 2-1. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins gestures during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, in Miami. The Phillies won 2-1. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)Read moreLynne Sladky / AP

MIAMI — Rhys Hoskins was unavailable to aid the Phillies’ last two attempts to reach the playoffs because of late-season injuries.

For a few hours, it seemed his health might be compromised again.

Hoskins exited Wednesday night’s 6-1 victory over the Miami Marlins in the fourth inning after getting hit by a pitch on the right hand one inning earlier. X-rays came back negative, the Phillies diagnosed him with a bruise, and Hoskins was receiving treatment after the game.

“Probably won’t play [Thursday] because it’ll be sore,” interim manager Rob Thomson. “But encouraging that it was negative.”

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Hoskins attempted to swing at an 89 mph changeup from Marlins starter Edward Cabrera. The ball struck his top hand, causing him to drop to the dirt. He stayed in the game and played defense in the top of the fourth before being replaced.

Third baseman Alec Bohm moved to first base, while Edmundo Sosa entered the game at third.

Thomson said the X-rays were precautionary.

“It just got sore, so he went down [to the batting cage] to try to swing and it just affected his swing,” Thomson said. “I don’t like guys [playing] with sore hands. I think it affects their swing, and then all of a sudden it’s a bad habit and [loss of] confidence and it just snowballs into a slump.”

In 524 at-bats, Hoskins is batting .250 with 28 home runs and an .808 on-base plus slugging percentage. He has been a steady presence in the No. 2 spot in the order, behind Kyle Schwarber and ahead of Bryce Harper.

Hoskins missed the final 55 games last season because of a groin injury and a strained abdominal muscle that required surgery. He didn’t play in the last 17 games of the shortened 2020 season due to a torn elbow ligament that needed to be surgically repaired.

The Phillies have had bad luck this season with hand injuries. Jean Segura missed 54 games after breaking his right index finger while trying to bunt. Harper was out for 52 games with a broken left thumb after getting hit by a pitch by San Diego’s Blake Snell.