Rhys Hoskins left the Brewers’ 3-1 win over the Marlins on Saturday due to a left thumb injury, and now faces a lengthy stint on the injured list. Initial x-rays were negative on Hoskins’ thumb, but Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the first baseman underwent an MRI that revealed a Grade 2 thumb sprain. Hoskins will be placed on the 10-day IL prior to the Brewers’ game with the Dodgers on Monday.
The injury occurred on a tag play at first base, as Hoskins had to lunge at a wide throw and tag out Miami’s Eric Wagaman. Hoskins showed immediate discomfort in the aftermath. Hoskins was able to finish the inning, but Jake Bauers took over as a pinch-hitter and then at first base for the remainder of the game.
The Grade 2 designation indicates a more severe variety of sprain, so chances are Hoskins will be out of action for at least a month. We’ll likely learn more specifics about a recovery timeline soon, and the exact timing could very well factor into the Brewers’ plans for the July 31st trade deadline.
If Hoskins is going to be sidelined for well into August or beyond, Milwaukee could consider adding a bat to help out at first base. Should Hoskins be projected for a return in early August, the club could stand pat with in-house options. Bauers is the obvious candidate, and Andrew Vaughn (acquired in a trade with the White Sox in mid-June) could be called up from Triple-A to team up with Bauers in a lefty/righty first base platoon. Utilityman Andrew Monasterio and even Sal Frelick (who has all of one career inning as a first baseman) could potentially chip in at the cold corner if necessary.
More to come…