Phillies' Star Slugger Nearing Postseason Return

The Philadelphia Phillies are close to clinching their second straight World Series berth. Their star slugger is also nearing his return and could be back to help them try and win the championship.

The Philadelphia Phillies head into Game 6 of the NLCS knowing that one more win will secure their spot in the World Series.

It's been the goal of this team to get back there after losing last year's championship in six games.

At first, it didn't seem like that would happen.

The Phillies got off to a slow start after Rhys Hoskins tore his ACL in Spring Training, Bryce Harper was out recovering from his offseason elbow surgery and the star bats weren't producing consistently.

But, just like last year, Philadelphia turned it around and got hot at the right time.

Hoskins was eyeing a potential return if they made the World Series.

With that possibility looking much more likely, the star slugger is nearing his return.

According to MLB.com, Hoskins is expected to take batting practice sessions on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24.

"He’s doing very well," Thomson said on Sunday when asked about his slugger's recovery.

Thomson has maintained that the World Series could be a realistic returning point for Hoskins after leaving him off the NLCS roster.

MLB.com also notes that there are still some things could prevent him from coming back.

"The main concern continues to be Hoskins’ ability to run the bases. His availability for a potential World Series will depend not only on how Hoskins feels while running, but also Philadelphia’s training staff getting to a point where it’s confident Hoskins wouldn’t be at risk of reinjury on the basepaths," they report.

If Hoskins does return, he would most likely be used in pinch-hitting situations and not as the designated hitter.

It would make very little sense to take Kyle Schwarber out of the lineup right now because of how hot he's hitting.

Still, getting their slugger back would add another dimension of power off the Phillies' bench.