Rhys Hoskins took batting practice, fielded balls in the outfield and did some base-running drills at Citizens Bank Park Friday afternoon.
He hopes to do it all for real Saturday afternoon.
Hoskins, who suffered a broken jaw 11 days ago, has received medical clearance to play, pending the arrival of a new batting helmet that will protect both sides of his jaw.
“I’m pretty hopeful,” he said about the possibility of returning to the lineup Saturday. “I did everything on the field today. I feel normal. We’re just waiting on protective gear.”
Hoskins fouled a 95-mph fastball from Kenley Jansen off his face in a game at Dodger Stadium on May 28. He suffered just a hairline fracture — it could have been a lot worse — on the right side of his jaw. Hoskins took batting practice Friday with a protective flap on the left side of his face. He is awaiting a helmet that will cover both sides. He will wear that helmet at the plate and on the base paths. He will not need it in the field.
In other health matters, the Phillies received some good news on pitcher Jerad Eickhoff, who has been slow to come off the disabled list after experiencing discomfort in his fingertips while throwing his breaking ball. Eickhoff has seen a number of specialists and they have concluded he will not need surgery, according to manager Gabe Kapler. Kapler said doctors have ruled out thoracic outlet syndrome. Kapler said evaluation of Eickhoff would continue and the team would not be able to provide a full update until it was complete.