Aaron Nola isn't the only Phillie headed to Washington for the All-Star festivities.
Rhys Hoskins will compete in Monday's Home Run Derby.
"I think it's a cool honor, just the fact that I would even be considered," Hoskins said after Wednesday's 3-0 loss to the Mets. "Obviously not the complete way I want to be involved in the week, but it should be fun. I get to be around a pretty cool group of guys. I grew up watching the Home Run Derby as a kid, so I think that full circle kind of moment is pretty cool."
In true Philly fashion, Hoskins will be the underdog in the competition, pulling the eighth and final seed. He'll face top-seeded Brewers slugger Jesus Aguilar, who leads the NL with 23 homers, in the first round.
Pitching to Hoskins will be Chris Truby, Phillies minor-league infield coordinator.
"He throws money BP," Hoskins said.
Also competing are Bryce Harper, Freddie Freeman, Alex Bregman, Kyle Schwarber, Max Muncy and Javier Baez. Check out the full bracket below.
Hoskins has crushed 14 homers this season, which has him tied for 25th in the NL. However, he displayed his insane power potential as a late-season call-up in 2017, hitting 18 homers in just 50 games.
He'll have one slight advantage over Aguilar, though: experience. Hoskins has been here before. Well ... sort of.
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"I did one (derby) in low A, when I was in Lakewood," Hoskins said. " And then I did one in Double A as well. I got second in the low A. I didn't win either of them.
"I'm saving the first (place) for a good one," he joked.
Hoskins will have quite the reputation to uphold as Phils sluggers have dominated the derby when given the chance. Everyone remembers Bobby Abreu crushing a then-record 41 homers to win the 2005 derby. Ryan Howard followed Abreu with a 2006 derby win, hitting 23 homers.
Hoskins will be just the fifth Phillie to compete in the event: Jim Thome (2004), Abreu (2005), Howard (2006, 2007 and 2009) and Chase Utley (2008).
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