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Milwaukee Brewers Surprisingly Postpone Rhys Hoskins' Return Amid 2-Month Absence 2 May 3, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins (12) reacts after hitting a solo home run as Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly (15) looks on at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Brewers manager shares Rhys Hoskins’ response to candid converstation about future role

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Sep 9, 2025 7:56 PM ET

After an absence of more than two months, Rhys Hoskins is back with the Milwaukee Brewers. In the mean time, the guy they called up to tide them over, one Andrew Vaughn, has taken firm hold of the starting first baseman’s job. Jake Bauers has offered solid production from the opposite side. At this juncture, there isn’t much of an opening for Hoskins to see playing time. Despite this reality, his manager says, the eight-year veteran is taking his new, smaller role just the way the team needs him to.

Brewers have true professional in Hoskins

Hoskins has revealed as much himself, in his own words. Pat Murphy opened up on the conversation the two of them had in private.

“Rhys, he’s the right guy,” Murphy said via reporter Curt Hogg. “He understands winning environments and he understands we can’t always get what we want. We have to be able to be fungible. I feel like the conversation was well understood and I think he assured us that’s what he’s here for.”

Before the injury, Hoskins was Milwaukee’s everyday first baseman – as he had been last year. Going back to his Phillies days, he has always found himself in the starting lineup.

His time in Philadelphia also gave Hoskins experience playing for a World Series contender, on the 2022 wild card team that took the Astros to six games on the final stage. He knows what it takes to build a winner, and that’s the type of mindset Murphy is looking for.

“It’s about the team. It’s a team sport and it will always be about the team.”

Where Hoskins fits is unclear. It shouldn’t be, but it’s almost surprising that the team actually called him up, even though the alternative, parking him back on the injured list, was untenable.

Brewers trade candidate expected to have huge market 7 Apr 29, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins (12) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

As long as Vaughn and Bauers are both hitting, the Brewers have coverage on both sides of the plate at the first base position. As long as Christian Yelich is healthy, they have an everyday DH. Especially in his first game back, it’s no suprise that Hoskins is not in Tuesday’s lineup.

For now, he should see most of his at-bats in spot starts here and there, helping to keep everyone fresh for the playoffs. As Milwaukee’s strongest bench bat, he should also see pinch-hitting opportunities.

Having Hoskins available is an insurance policy in the case of injury. With the amount of positional shuffling the Brewers can do, that policy applies to injuries at first base, DH, and the outfield. He also keeps the pressure on Vaughn and Bauers.

Brewers manager shares Rhys Hoskins' response to candid converstation about future role 3 Sep 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins (12) hits a single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Although Bauers has the advantage of being the only left-handed bat among them, he is also prone to hot and cold spells. Hitting .242/.340/.428 on the season, Hoskins offers a solid baseline of production the Brewers can turn to if need be.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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