Brewers Activate Rhys Hoskins as Team Nears Playoff Berth

The Milwaukee Brewers finally got veteran first baseman Rhys Hoskins back on Tuesday. He’d been out for nearly two months with a sprained left thumb.

His return didn’t spark a win — the Brewers lost 5-4 to the Texas Rangers. Still, having Hoskins back is a big deal for a club that owns the best record in Major League Baseball right now.

After 57 games on the shelf, Hoskins brings power and some much-needed postseason experience. Milwaukee’s hoping he can help push this team deep into October.

Rhys Hoskins Makes His Return

Hoskins, 32, got reinstated after hurting his thumb on July 5. That injury cut short what had been a solid 2024 so far.

Before he went down, he was hitting .242 with 12 home runs and 42 RBIs. Not bad for his first year in Milwaukee.

He didn’t start in his first game back. Instead, he came off the bench to pinch hit in the sixth inning.

He fouled out in his only at-bat. Not the dramatic return some hoped for, but just being active again gives the Brewers a lift.

Competition at First Base

While Hoskins recovered, the Brewers leaned on Andrew Vaughn, a new face from the Chicago White Sox. Vaughn took advantage, hitting .308 with nine homers and 41 RBIs in 51 games.

Now, manager Pat Murphy has more choices — maybe too many — at first base. He’s said Hoskins will ease back in, taking on a smaller role for now.

The idea is to keep Hoskins healthy and avoid rushing him before the playoffs.

Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet

Even when Hoskins isn’t in the lineup, his leadership matters in Milwaukee’s clubhouse. He played a big part in getting the Phillies to the 2022 World Series, and Murphy wants that kind of experience around as the pressure builds.

Hoskins knows he’ll probably be a part-timer for a bit. He put it simply: “It’s about being prepared for whatever the team needs. I’ll be ready — whether that’s starting, pinch-hitting, or coming in late for defense.”

Brewers’ Playoff Push

The Brewers went into Tuesday night’s game with an MLB-best 89-56 record. They’ve dropped two straight to the Rangers, but their season’s been built on pitching, timely hitting, and depth.

Getting Hoskins back only adds to that depth. He could be a real difference-maker in October if he stays healthy.

A Long Road Back from Injury

Hoskins isn’t just coming back from a thumb injury. He missed all of 2023 after tearing his ACL with the Phillies, so 2024 is his first real action since 2022.

The Brewers signed him in January, betting on his steady bat and leadership. To make space for him, Milwaukee sent infielder-catcher Anthony Seigler down to Triple-A Nashville.

That move shows just how much the Brewers value having Hoskins back in the dugout — and on the field.

What’s Next for Hoskins and the Brewers

October baseball is right around the corner. The Brewers suddenly find themselves able to plug in a proven postseason bat to an already stacked roster.

Vaughn’s bat will keep him in the lineup. Hoskins’ knack for situational hitting and his veteran edge give Milwaukee the kind of depth every playoff team wants.

• Hoskins is back after missing 57 games with a sprained thumb.
• Andrew Vaughn really thrived while Hoskins was out.
• Brewers currently hold the best record in MLB at 89-56.
• Hoskins brings leadership and playoff experience from his Phillies days.
• The team’s aiming for a deep postseason run with this boosted roster.

Milwaukee fans have another reason to believe this October could be special. For Rhys Hoskins, the story’s far from over.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Nearing playoff berth, Brewers activate Hoskins