Just days after making the transition to left field, the Phillies have called-up Rhys Hoskins. (Steven Kiebach/SportsTalkPhilly)
By J.P. McClatchy, Sports Talk Philly staff 
After making the transition to left field just a few days ago, the Phillies are going to reward Rhys Hoskins – their sixth best prospect according to MLB Pipeline - with a long-awaited promotion to the majors.
BREAKING: Rhys Hoskins has been called up to the Phillies, per @JSalisburyCSN. pic.twitter.com/tpr3BR7idC
— CSN Philly (@CSNPhilly) August 10, 2017
Hoskins, 24, has appeared to be ready for a promotion to the majors for much of the 2017 season. After a five-RBI night Wednesday, Hoskins was slashing .284/.385/.581 with 29 home runs and 91 RBIs for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. In three games in left field, Hoskins has caught every ball that has come his way, perhaps leading the Phillies to think he can at least be competent in the outfield while the team gets a look at his bat.
The Phillies seemingly tried to move incumbent first baseman Tommy Joseph before the non-waiver trade deadline, but received little-to-no interest. In the long-run, Joseph is going to be usurped at first base by Hoskins one way or another, but for the time being both Hoskins and Joseph will be able to be in the lineup. It's unclear what will happen once Aaron Altherr returns from the disabled list, with Odubel Herrera scorching hot in center field and Nick Williams having flashed some potential in his first experience at the major league level. Most seem to think that if Hoskins hits well in left field, that will make it easier for the Phillies to move Joseph into a bench role to keep Hoskins in the lineup when Altherr returns.
The Phillies are often accused of waiting too long to call up their top prospects, but they do deserve credit for what they did with Hoskins, using any means necessary to find him a spot on the roster.
