Rhys Hoskins Launches Solo Home Run in Japan All-Star Series

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

The seven-game Japan All-Star Series — an exhibition matchup between All-Stars of Major League Baseball and Nippon Pro Baseball —  is at its half-way point.

And being just over one week away from Thanksgiving, it is a good sight for Philadelphia Phillies fans to see Rhys Hoskins still produce for a baseball club, albeit on the All-Star roster led by Don Mattingly.

Read: Hoskins on Machado, Harper: Always 'Right Time' to Add 'Generational Player'

In the series' fourth game on Tuesday, Hoskins went yard for the first time oversees with an opposite-field solo home run to right, giving the MLB All-Stars a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. Update, 11/14, 6 a.m.: Hoskins homered again on Wednesday — a two-run blast to put the MLB All-Stars up, 2-0.

To no surprise given his character, Hoskins has been actively involved at the Series in a leadership role for Japanese baseball youth. He and three other players recently held a youth clinic at the Toyko Dome.

Read: Phillies Hot Stove: Hoskins' 'Strong Personality' Could ‘Rub Off’ on Machado

Hoskins is not the only Phillies player still in action, however. Carlos Santana — who the club is reportedly shopping in an effort to get Hoskins regular playing time at his more natural position of first base — is also in Japan for the All-Star Series. On Friday, the switch-hitting veteran slugger launched a three-run blast for the MLB All-Stars.