PHILADELPHIA -- Rhys Hoskins is back with the Phillies, walking without crutches and working toward a miracle.

Hoskins is in the early stages of recovery from surgery to repair his left ACL, which he tore on March 23 in a Grapefruit League game in Clearwater, Fla. He hopes to begin jogging in a couple weeks. At some point, Hoskins will start running, though doctors told him that “return to sport” is around the six-month mark from surgery, which he had on March 30.

“That’s right in the middle of October, right at the start of October,” Hoskins said Wednesday afternoon. “So it’s a lofty goal to be there, but we have someone that’s done it before [in Kyle Schwarber] and we have really, really good care here. I’m going to push until I can’t push anymore. I think that’s the right mindset to have. I’m competitive. I like to try to beat things that have certain standards.”

Schwarber tore his left ACL on April 7, 2016, but he rejoined the Cubs in the World Series beginning on Oct. 25. He batted .412 (7-for-17) with one double, two RBIs, three walks, four strikeouts and a .971 OPS in five games against Cleveland.

If the Phillies make the postseason and they make another deep run into October, who knows? Maybe Hoskins could be the 2023 version of Schwarber.

It would be a heck of a thing. No question Hoskins’ bat has been missed in the Phils' lineup as much as his presence has been missed in the clubhouse. Hoskins will be a free agent following the season, but his focus is on his recovery.

“It’s weird being away,” he said. “This is the first May I haven’t played baseball in I don’t even know how long. Obviously, I’m going through it a little bit with that.”

Hoskins and his wife Jayme will host their second “Go Yard with Rhys Hoskins & MDA” event on June 22 at Yards Brewing in Philadelphia. The couple has been involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association since they volunteered in high school as summer camp counselors in Northern California, where they grew up. They have been MDA ambassadors in Philly since 2017, participating in local walks, galas and other events. 

“That’s an exciting thing,” he said.