Rhys Hoskins is expecting an emotional first game back at Citizens Bank Park with the Milwaukee Brewers

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Rhys Hoskins has had plenty of exciting fights at Citizens Bank Park during his time with the Philadelphia Phillies.

There’s the famous Game 3 National League Division Series home run against the Atlanta Braves in baseball’s first home playoff game at Citizens Bank Park in over a decade, along with other bombs Hoskins hit during the 2022 World postseason. Series.

Hoskins will have another exciting game Monday night in South Philly as he makes his return to Citizens Bank Park for the first time with Milwaukee Brewers, which he signed with during the offseason.

“I’m kind of a whiner,” Hoskins said. “I’m probably going to cry at some point today, but I think that tells you everything you need to know about the energy and excitement I’ve been able to bring out of this place over the last decade. It will be memorable for sure. I hope they don’t have to stop the game because they cry too much.”

Hoskins spent the first six years of his MLB career with the Phillies — he sat out the entire 2023 season after tearing his ACL in spring training.

Hoskins recently dealt with a right hamstring strain that landed him on the injured list on May 14, but was activated three days before returning to his former home.

Through 40 games with the Brewers, Hoskins hit nine home runs, recorded 27 RBIs and scored 17 runs. He is hitting .242/.353/.491 with an 843 OPS.

Hoskins said he’s been to Citizens Bank Park many times as a Phillie when former players return. He knows it will be loud and “hopes” there will be a good reception, but said he didn’t expect anything once he was introduced as a member of the Brewers.

Hoskins said it was strange walking into the visitors’ clubhouse after spending the first part of his career at his home club, but once the first pitch comes it will be like a different game.

“I’m just excited, man,” Hoskins said. “Obviously it’s been a long time since I’ve played here, but just to see what this place has turned into in the last couple of years. Obviously, these guys are playing really, really good baseball, so a chance for us to see where we are competition-wise. But yeah, man, I’m excited for my teammates to see what this place is like playing in this kind of atmosphere for the last five or six years.”

Outside of the Phillies, the players and workers Hoskins has built relationships with, he said he’s already been stopped by some of the places he frequented when he played in Philly. He said he had a great meal at Palizzi Social Club in South Philly, stopped by his old coffee shop and heard from some well-wishing fans.

“Like, ‘Hey, good luck tomorrow, but not too much luck,’” Hoskins said a fan told him. “Of course, right? He needs to see his team win, so he brought me right back.”

While he enjoyed his time in Philly and holds no ill will toward the Phillies, Hoskins said he is moving on from that chapter of his career and will move on Monday night when he faces former teammate Zack Wheeler.

“I hope it stinks tonight,” Hoskins said.