Phillies finalize NLCS roster; Hoskins not on it
This browser does not support the video element.
PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies will take the same team that beat the Braves in the National League Division Series into the NL Championship Series.
The club announced no changes to its 26-man roster before Game 1 of the NLCS against Arizona on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park. There had been some intrigue regarding Rhys Hoskins, who has been hitting in Clearwater, Fla., trying to make his way back from left ACL surgery in March. He has spent the entire season on the 60-day injured list, and he was not in Philadelphia for Sunday¡¯s workout.
¡°He¡¯s just not quite ready yet,¡± Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. ¡°I talked to him. The trainers had talked to him. It¡¯s really remarkable where he¡¯s at, to tell you the truth. We¡¯re still hoping for the World Series, if we get there, if we get over the hump and get to the point where he¡¯s comfortable and we¡¯re comfortable.¡±
Thomson said Hoskins needs more at-bats.
This browser does not support the video element.
¡°His timing¡¯s off a little bit,¡± Thomson said. ¡°Although I¡¯m shocked at where he¡¯s at running, I¡¯m just not comfortable with the way he¡¯s running yet. But it¡¯s close.¡±
If the Phillies advance to the World Series and Hoskins makes the team's Fall Classic roster, he would be limited to pinch-hitting duties.
Here is the Phillies¡¯ NLCS roster:
Pitchers (13): Left-handers Jos¨¦ Alvarado, Cristopher S¨¢nchez, Gregory Soto, Matt Strahm and Ranger Su¨¢rez; and right-handers -- Seranthony Dom¨ªnguez, Jeff Hoffman, Orion Kerkering, Craig Kimbrel, Michael Lorenzen, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker and Zack Wheeler
Catchers (2): J.T. Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs
Infielders (5): Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott and Trea Turner
Outfielders (6): Nick Castellanos, Jake Cave, Brandon Marsh, Cristian Pache, Johan Rojas and Kyle Schwarber