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Veteran First Baseman’s Resilience Will Be Critical For Brewers

Veteran first baseman Rhys Hoskins‘ resilience will be critical during the second half for the National League Central Division-leading Milwaukee Brewers.

Hoskins, in his seventh MLB season, has endured several struggles in his first year with the Brewers since signing a two-year, $34 million free-agent contract. Despite suffering a freaky hamstring injury that sidelined him early on and attempting to work through a disheartening, frustrating slump since late May, he has continued to be a leader in the clubhouse. His grit, determination, and hard-nosed approach to the game have helped forge an identity for the young, hungry squad.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound power hitter’s ability to bounce back to top form will be important to the team’s success and continued development. The Brewers remain in first place with a 55-42 overall record (.567 winning percentage), 13 games over .500, and 4 1/2 ahead of the second-place St. Louis Cardinals.

Rhys Hoskins’ Resilience Will Be Critical for Brewers

Hoskins, 31, currently maintains a .215 batting average (a career-low) with 55 hits, 30 runs scored, 14 home runs, and 46 RBI through 73 games. Throughout the last 30 games, he has generated an encouraging 19 hits, 18 RBI, and four homers. Arguably his biggest hit is what proved to be a game-winning grand slam in a 6-5 home-field victory over the Texas Rangers on June 24. That was followed by a statement-making second grand slam in an 8-5 road loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 6.

Brewers first-year manager Pat Murphy has admired the way the fiery, blue-collar first baseman/designated hitter has inspired the young roster.

“He’s great,” said Murphy in an interview with Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal. “He’s so conscientious and such a great teammate, and sometimes that gets in the way. Sometimes you’re so conscientious that you don’t want to offend or do anything for yourself as much as you should. When you’re a pillar, how do you go through struggles? Most importantly, how do you get out of struggles?”

The way Hoskins responds to the latest adversity could ultimately impact the Brewers’ chances in the second half.

Hoskins Attempting To Return To Top Form

The veteran first baseman’s resilience has taken center stage throughout the last two seasons. His sixth and final year with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023 ended prematurely as he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in spring training. The setting may be different with his new teammates in Milwaukee, but his mindset remains the same.

“There’s a lot of different factors for me this year. I’m in a new place, new people, obviously coming back from a pretty significant injury,” said Hoskins, in an interview with Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. “I’m trying to give myself some perspective on that. But the reality is just because I’m a competitor and I know what I’m capable of and know what I’ve done in this league, those things just don’t match up. That’s what can be frustrating. Luckily, we play most every day and I’ve always told guys the next moment is on the way already. That’s the beautiful part. You have to be ready. Frustrating, for sure. I’m sure I’ve shown that frustration at times. But the beautiful part of this game is you always have to be ready for the next one. Winning cures it all.”

For the Brewers, a healthy Hoskins returning to top form could prove to be a critical piece on the road to another division championship.

 

Photo Credit: © Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Hagenau

Jeff Hagenau

Jeff has been a sports writer in southeast Wisconsin for the past 27 years, covering at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. He graduated from Carroll University with a degree in journalism and covers the Milwaukee Brewers for Last Word On Sports.

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