By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins is not in the club's starting lineup for the first time of the season on Tuesday against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park, and it is not for a scheduled off day.
Hoskins, 26, is out due to what he calls a "mild left ankle sprain," according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. Phillies Manager Gabe Kapler said Hoskins remains available to pinch-hit on Tuesday, and expects him to return to the lineup for Wednesday afternoon's finale, per Philly.com's Matt Breen.
#Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins talked about his mild ankle sprain, which he doesn’t believe is serious pic.twitter.com/YAjSHT1GA6
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) April 16, 2019
Hoskins sustained the injury to his left ankle while attempting a sliding steal into second base early on in Monday's three-game series opener. He finished the game, but in the 11th, he could not snag a line drive with two outs and runners in scoring position, allowing the Mets to score the game-deciding run.
Hoskins' ankle is currently wrapped and swollen, although he does not view the injury as being serious. He was scheduled to appear at the Phillies' 2026 MLB All-Star Game announcement in front of Independence Hall, however he did not attend and his chair was pulled last minute before the ceremony commenced.
Maikel Franco will start in Hoskins' place on Tuesday, while Scott Kingery will start at the hot corner. This season through 15 games, Hoskins has five home runs, 16 RBI, and a 1.021 OPS.
