Phillies manager says star 1B could return for World Series

Thomson appeared on the "WIP Morning Show" and said that Hoskins is "making a lot of progress," is "hitting on the field" and if he were to come back, it would be as a designated hitter or pinch hitter.

First and foremost, a second consecutive World Series appearance for the Phillies is far from a certainty, as they have likes of the three National League division champions (Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers) to contend with, as well as whichever two other teams earn wild-card berths. 

Philadelphia clinched a wild-card spot on Tuesday, while the other berths are still up for grabs between the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Miami Marlins and Cincinnati Reds, and less likely the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants.

The regular season ends on Oct. 1 and the Phillies are scheduled to host Game 1 of the NL Wild Card round on Oct. 3.

Hoskins tore his ACL during spring training and it was assumed that the 30-year-old wouldn't be playing again this year.

Thomson said in July that there was a "chance" the former fifth-round draft pick could be back this season.

Hoskins had a career-high 145 hits during the 2022 campaign, adding 30 home runs, 79 RBI and a .246/.332/.462 slash line over 589 at-bats in 156 games played. He went just 11-for-69 during Philadelphia's run to the 2022 World Series but hit six home runs, including four in the NLCS against the San Diego Padres.