The Philadelphia Phillies, despite losing their Opening Day tilt against the Texas Rangers, enter the 2023 campaign with high hopes. After all, they are coming off such an impressive Cinderella run in the 2022 playoffs where they came oh so close to winning the World Series over the heavily-favored Houston Astros.

However, that does not mean that they don't have some considerable adversity to overcome, as during Spring Training, they lost everyday first baseman Rhys Hoskins to a major knee injury that's expected to keep him out for the entirety of the 2023 season.

On Thursday night, the Phillies announced that Hoskins had undergone successful surgery on his torn ACL, the recovery timeline for which is seven to nine months, according to the team's official Twitter account.

In Rhys Hoskins' absence, the Phillies started Darick Hall at first base. Hall went 0-4 in his first 2023 start, drawing a walk and driving in one of the Phillies' seven runs in the 11-7 defeat.

Article Continues Below
More Phillies News
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (7) celebrates hitting a two run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Rogers Centre.
Trea Turner doubles down with second HR vs. Blue JaysBrayden Haena ·
A Major League Baseball sits on the turf before a game between the Athletics and San Francisco Giants the at Oracle Park.
MLB rumors: Yankees, Phillies named best trade fits for Rays starsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (7) throws to first base during the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park.
Trea Turner’s defense has truth bomb dropped on it by Phillies managerJordan Llanes ·
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) gets ready to pitch a game against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Why Phillies are ‘skipping’ Zack Wheeler in starting rotationJoey Mistretta ·
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (99) throws a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park.
Phillies make major move amid search for bullpen helpOwen Crisafulli ·
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates his home run with first base Bryce Harper (3) during the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park.
Phillies’ Bryce Harper aligned with front office on Kyle SchwarberZachary Weinberger ·

Hall should play a huge part in the Phillies' chances of mounting a strong 2023 campaign. The 27-year old first baseman has played in just 42 major league games prior to this season, and in limited action, he displayed considerable power, smacking nine home runs in 142 plate appearances, good for a .522 slugging percentage.

What the Phillies would miss the most from Rhys Hoskins would be his ability to get on base. Despite a decline in Hoskins' advanced batting stats in 2022, he still managed to get on base at a strong clip, drawing walks at a double-digit percentage ever since breaking into the majors in 2017.

Meanwhile, Darick Hall hasn't particularly been adept at drawing walks dating back to his days in the minors. Nevertheless, Hall will have plenty of opportunities to expand his game and spread his wings so he could take the opportunity in front of him by the scruff of its neck.

At the end of the day, Rhys Hoskins will surely be motivated to return with a vengeance in the 2024 season. Hoskins is set to enter unrestricted free agency at the conclusion of the 2023 season, so surely the first baseman would be looking to take his rehab process head-on.