Pirates “studying deals” for Alex Rios, Nate Schierholtz

By Jul 14, 2013, 1:41 PM EDT
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Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune has the scoop:

Looking to upgrade in right field, the Pirates are studying deals for Nate Schierholtz and Alex Rios. It is possible that they’ll make a move sooner rather than later, as they are tied for the NL Central lead while last in OPS at the position (slash line of .239/.302/.377 from seven right fielders, with Travis Snider getting the most playing time).

Rogers calls a Rios trade “a reach” because the 32-year-old outfielder is still owed $13.5 million after this season. Schierholtz, 29, signed a one-year, $2.25 million free agent contract with the Cubs this winter.

Rogers suggests that the Bucs could platoon the left-handed-hitting Schierholtz with right-handed-hitting outfielder Jose Tabata. Schierholtz has a superb .862 OPS against right-handed pitchers this season.

Phils’ Hoskins tears knee, expected to miss significant time

Associated PressMar 24, 2023, 12:02 AM EDT
hoskins injury
Dave Nelson/USA TODAY Sports
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CLEARWATER, Fla. — Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins needs surgery for a torn ACL after injuring his left knee Thursday fielding a grounder in a spring training game and is expected to miss a significant amount of time.

The Phillies did not say when Hoskins would have the surgery or exactly how long the slugging first baseman might be sidelined.

Hoskins hit 30 homers with 79 RBIs last season for the reigning National League champions.

He was backing up to play a chopper on Thursday when the ball popped out of his glove. Sooner after, he fell to the ground and began clutching his left knee. Teammates gathered around him before he was taken off of the field.

Hoskins, a free agent at the end of the season who turned 30 last week, hit six homers in Philadelphia’s playoff run last season. The Phillies lost to the Houston Astros in the World Series.

The injury was another blow for the Phillies, who will be without top pitching prospect Andrew Painter for another few weeks because of a sprained ligament in his right elbow. And slugger Bryce Harper isn’t expected back until around the All-Star break after undergoing Tommy John surgery in November.