By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Once considered a "bash brother" with Philadelphia Phillies slugging first baseman Rhys Hoskins while at Double-A Reading, outfielder Dylan Cozens' career has been anything but that of his former teammate's.
— Dylan Cozens (@dylancozens) March 15, 2019
Cozens, 24, has collected just three singles, three extra-base hits, two RBI, six walks and 24 strikeouts, while slashing .158/.273/.289, through his first 45 career plate appearances. The Scottsdale, Arizona, native logged just one MLB plate appearance this season, a groundout.
On Tuesday, Cozens underwent foot surgery, putting a temporary stop to his eighth professional season. The Morning Call's Tom Housenick reported the surgery was season-ending, according to IronPigs manager Gary Jones.
So, Cozens is out for the season … or is he? He has since contradicted the report by recently tweeting “not out for season.”
Dylan Cozens charged up the crowd at Coca-Cola Park earlier this month with this grand slam. #MiLBPowerfulMoment@ECHO_USA pic.twitter.com/Bd5xn5htST
— Lehigh Valley IronPigs (@IronPigs) April 22, 2019
Cozens' chances to have a future everyday role with the Phillies, like the case for Nick Williams and the since-cut Aaron Altherr, is slim, considering Bryce Harper and Andrew McCutchen have the corner outfield spots locked up; like Altherr in 2019, Cozens will be out of minor-league options next season.
Cozens slashed .167/.333/.462 with six home runs and 42 strikeouts spanning 23 games and 99 plate appearances at Triple-A prior to his injury. The Phillies could place him on the 60-day injured list, freeing up a 40-man roster spot for an addition, either through free agency, trade or promotion of a prospect.
