LOS ANGELES – Gabe Kapler awoke to a text message Thursday morning from Rhys Hoskins, who informed the manager that an oral surgeon in Philadelphia ruled that Hoskins’ fractured jaw would not require surgery.
“It was a moment to celebrate,” Kapler said.
The decision meant that Hoskins will be on the disabled list for weeks, instead of months. Even with Hoskins’ struggles in May, the Phillies still see him as the centerpiece of their lineup. Missing him for a significant stretch would have been tough to overcome.
“He’s so important,” Kapler said. “You could kind of feel him missing in the dugout yesterday.