A quality haircut always feels great. It leaves you refreshed and invigorated. After, you’re ready to take on the day. It’s a confidence boost that we can rely on every 3-4 months. Apparently, it was that confidence boost that has become the fuel to Rhys Hoskins’ fire.
“I was joking with somebody, I think the only thing I did different today was get a haircut”
Rhys Hoskins Wednesday night during post-game interview
On Wednesday, Hoskins seemed to break himself out of the long slump he tangled himself within. That night against the Pirates yielded a double and a triple for Hoskins. He became the first Phillie since Ryan Howard to record at least 5 triples in a season as a first baseman.
His double and triple gave him his first multi-extra-base-hit game since July 13th against the Nationals. In between those games, Hoskins only hit .157 in 140 AB.
On Monday, Hoskins continued his hot streak with his first multi-homer game since he also he 2 on April 8th against the Nationals. Since his hair cut, Hoskins is 8 for his last 17. Five of those have been extra base hits.
What does this mean for the Phillies?
Rhys Hoskins is getting hot at the perfect time. As of September 2nd, the Phillies are just 2.5 games out of the second wild card. A hot Hoskins gives the Phillies a weapon they’ve been missing for a long time. From the start of August until Rhys got a hair cut, he hit a sad .120. His batting average dropped from .257 to .233 during that time.
Hoskins heating up is coming at a time when other Phillies hitters are either hot or at least warm. Bryce Harper had a powerful August. His 1.025 OPS fueled the Phillies. That came with 11 of his now 30 home runs.
JT Realmuto had a great stretch from July 27-August 28. He slashed .330/.392/.670 during that period. He is 0-11 in his last 3 games, however. Hopefully, all he needed was a rest day on Monday.
Jean Segura has been hot for a while now, although somewhat more quietly. Since June 30th, the Phillies shortstop has been hitting .317. Segura has left the team for a short bit as he goes to the Dominican Republic to mourn the loss of his grandmother.
Scott Kingery had a warm August hitting .287 with an OPS of .825. He continued his success into September with a bases-clearing double in the bottom of the 8th inning against the Mets, giving the Phillies the lead 5-2.
From August 10-31, Cesar Hernandez was the hottest contact hitting on the Phillies. In that stretch, he hit .333. The only issue with Cesar is that there’s little to no power attached. His last homer came on August 1st. The one before that came on June 15th.
Corey Dickerson went 0-4 on Monday, but don’t let that fool you. Before that game since becoming a Phillie, Dickerson has hit .309 with a .585 SLG. He’s also been clutch, recording 25 RBI in 25 games.
With almost the entire team hitting well, the Phillies could actually make some noise in September. If Hoskins stays hot, the lineup will hit their way into October.
Who needs pitching when you might score 7 every night?
Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
