Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Phillies make sure injured first baseman is with the team in spirit on Opening Day

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/30/23

The reigning National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies will begin their 2023 campaign without first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who suffered a torn ACL late in spring training.

While Hoskins won't be on the field for Opening Day, he will be with the team in spirit as the Phillies put together the first baseman's locker ahead of their 2023 opener against the Texas Rangers.

Phillies have a locker for Rhys Hoskins here in Texas and have his uniform hanging up

His teammates say he is with them in spirit and will be around the team a lot this season. He is having surgery today here in TX

Catch our pregame show at 3pm on @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/B74pwozTS1
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 30, 2023

It's a special touch for a beloved member of the club. It's also a heartwarming gesture considering Hoskins underwent successful surgery to repair his torn ACL on Thursday while his teammates prepared to open the season in Arlington.

Rob Thomson said Rhys Hoskins had his surgery today and it went extremely well.
— Kade Kistner (@KadeKistner) March 30, 2023

From an outsider's perspective, putting together a locker for Hoskins might seem overly dramatic. But not for the Phillies. Not for a team that came together to make a remarkable run to the World Series last season.

On a team full of stars, Hoskins is a heart-and-soul guy on the field and in the locker room. With big names like Bryce Harper and now Trea Turner wearing red pinstripes, Hoskins can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. However, you can't discount his importance to the Phillies.

Without Hoskins, the Phillies may not have won the National League pennant in 2022. Hoskins came up in the clutch several times during the postseason, with some of the Phillies' most meaningful home runs coming off his bat.

Hoskins doesn't have the same name recognition or star power as many of his teammates, but his loss carries similar weight.

Barring a repeat trip to the World Series by the Phillies, Hoskins' 2023 campaign is likely over before it got started. However, it could also mark the end of his career in Philly. The 30-year-old is eligible for free agency this offseason.

More must-reads: