On Sunday afternoon in Miami, the Philadelphia Phillies dropped more than one game. Trea Turner left in the seventh inning of a 5-4 loss to the Marlins with a right hamstring strain, raising immediate worries for a team hoping to make a deep October run.
Turner had just reached on Otto Lopez’s throwing error when he noticed the problem flare up. He soon exited the game, entering the dugout and proceeding to the clubhouse with the training personnel.
“It was just grabbing into me. “It didn’t feel good,” Turner admitted afterwards. “If I could have carried on, I would have. If not, get out of there and try to minimize the damage. Edmundo Sosa took over at shortstop and on the bases.
This season, the 32-year-old has been one of the most complete players in the National League. Turner leads the league with 179 hits and a.305 batting average, while also ranking near the top with 36 stolen bases. His bat continued to deliver on Sunday, as he hit his 15th home run of the season in the sixth inning, helping the Phillies go closer. The injury occurred during his very next at-bat.
All eyes of Phillies fans are on Trea Turner
Turner is acquainted with the concern. Last season, he hurt his left hamstring and missed six weeks. “Hopefully, not as bad as that,” Turner added. “Try to get back as fast as you can and get ready for that last little stretch and hopefully, the postseason push.”
Manager Rob Thomson voiced concern and confidence. “There is some concern there, obviously,” Thomson stated. “He’s having a tremendous year; he’s an important part of our team, and I want to keep everyone healthy, especially as the season winds down. “We’ll know more tomorrow.” Turner is expected to have an MRI on Monday.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Philadelphia. The Phillies now lead the NL East by seven games over the Mets, but the next four-game series versus New York looms enormous. The Phillies are now 4½ games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the National League’s top slot, despite maintaining a solid division lead. Losing Turner, even briefly, may hamper their quest for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Sunday’s setback also demonstrated the team’s margin for error. Taijuan Walker gave up four runs in the first inning, including a three-run homer to Lopez, before settling in for six innings. The Phillies fought back with RBIs from Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, and Kyle Schwarber, but fell short when Harper grounded out with the tying run on base in the ninth.
The spotlight has now shifted to Turner’s MRI. His absence would compel Sosa to play shortstop on a regular basis, putting the Phillies at a disadvantage both offensively and defensively. Turner’s ability to affect games with his speed, power, and defense is unparalleled — and any significant absence would be a major setback for Philadelphia’s World Series hopes.
