Game 39 - 2021 Topps Now Road to Opening Day #OD-275 Rhys Hoskins

Phillies 5, Blue Jays 1
Game 39 - Friday Night, May 14th in Dunedin
Record - 21-18, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Vince Velasquez had another effective outing and  a Rhys Hoskins bases-clearing double put an exclamation point on a five-run seventh inning in this 5-1 Phillies win.

What It Means:  I'm so hesitant to be optimistic about Velasquez's recent success, but maybe new pitching coach Caleb Cotham has finally figured him out?  And at some point, the team will need to determine what to do with Matt Moore, who Velasquez has replaced in the rotation at this point.

What Happened:  Velasquez pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing a home run and two singles while striking out seven.  The home run was to Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. in the sixth.  Blue Jays pitchers walked four Phillies batters in the seventh and they all eventually scored.  After Hoskins' big double, Alec Bohm added an RBI double of his own.  Bryce Harper reached base five times with a single, double and three walks.

Featured Card:  A hot Hoskins is a fun Hoskins to watch.  He's batting .333 (7 for 21) in his last five games with a double and five RBIs.  With the CDC now advising us it's OK to no longer wear masks, as long as you're fully vaccinated, I thought this was an appropriate card to post.  (And get vaccinated people!)

Transaction:  J.T. Realmuto (c) was activated from the Covid-related injured list and Enyel De Los Santos (rhp) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley.  Also Adam Haseley (of) has rejoined the organization and can spend at least 30 days on the team's restricted list while on rehab assignments.

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