The Cleveland Guardians won't rush Rhys Hoskins' build-up after a late start to spring training.
There’s a new right-handed slugger in the Cleveland Guardians training camp. Rhys Hoskins is officially with the team after signing
Hoskins will get in a Cactus League game soon, but the Guardians aren’t going to rush the veteran onto the diamond, with him getting a late start with his ramp-up. Plus, Hoskins has an injury history that the team must be mindful of.
On Tuesday, Stephen Vogt discussed the plan for Hoskins during training camp.
“As of right now, he's working his way into building up his legs to build to be able to play in game action. He should get into a game towards the end of this week,” Vogt said.
“He has some significant injury history, and you get to camp a little later, we want to make sure that he's ready to play in his 1st game. So, but he's slotted to play a little later this week.”
Cleveland takes on the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, but realistically, Hoskins’ first opportunity to get into the Guardians’ lineup will be on Thursday against the Seattle Mariners.
May 5, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins (12) during the game against the Houston Astros at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn ImagesEven though Hoskins was overall an above league-average hitter in 2025, he had to settle for a Minor League deal for the upcoming season. Part of that could have been the unusual year he had at the plate.
Hoskins had a strong start to last year, but landed on the injured list with a thumb injury. Then, when he came back, Andrew Vaughn had taken over as Milwaukee’s power-hitting first baseman, which caused Hoskins to lose playing time.
Vogt said, “Last year was interesting for Rhys. Gets off to a great start, gets injured, and then [his] spots gone when you get back. Iit's probably a very different experience that he went through, and even just talking with him. He's just excited for an opportunity to earn plane time, earn a spot on the team.”
Hoskins is entering a much different situation with the Guardians; Cleveland needs his right-handed power bat in the lineup. That’s why it’s smart for the team to be extra cautious with his ramp-up.
The Guardians know what type of player Hoskins can be when healthy, and it looks like we’ll get a look at him in the lineup sometime soon, once he and Cleveland feel it’s the best time.
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