Phillies GM Matt Klentak preaching patience with Alfaro & Hoskins despite torrid starts

Two of the Phillies top minor league prospects, catcher Jorge Alfaro and first baseman Rhys Hoskins, have gotten off to quick starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but it appears that Phillies general manager Matt Klentak won't be quick to add either to the Phillies roster.

Through Friday Hoskins, 24, was batting .337 with seven home runs, 16 RBIs and a 1.083 OPS. Alfaro, who turns 24 next month, was hitting .318 with three home runs, 18 RBIs, and an .831 OPS.

"We're always open-minded to having plans change," Klentak said before Friday's 4-2 loss to the visiting Washington Nationals. "Sometimes players will dictate that."

Klentak first talked about the catching combo of Cameron Rupp and Andrew Knapp.

"Our catching at the Major League level has been above average," Klentak said. "...I have no qualms with the way the catching has been done. If you size it up against the rest of the league, I think we have done well in that department."

Klentak then praised Hoskins, but says that Tommy Joseph, who is hitting .207 in 90 plate appearances, deserves much more of a chance.

"We are pleased with (the work of Hoskins) but I am not ready to concede after (90 plate appearances that Tommy Joseph has forgotten how to hit and we're going to turn to Rhys at this early stage," Klentak said.

The Phillies general manager said that he didn't want to minimize what Hoskins has accomplished, but it should also be kept in perspective.

"He is a month into his Triple A career and we are happy to let him get at-bats there," Klentak said.