Trea Turner, the Philadelphia Phillies’ shortstop, is in his third season with the team after signing an 11-year, $300 million contract before the 2023 season.
The 32-year-old veteran has continued to demonstrate why he is worth such a high price, as Turner remains a significant offensive danger at the top of the lineup. Over 140 games this season, he has a.305 batting average,.356 on-base percentage,.815 OPS, 15 home runs, and 36 stolen bases, which leads the National League.
The most amazing aspect of his season, however, has been the significant jump forward he’s taken defensively, grading out as one of the league’s greatest shortstops while also being one of the most underestimated.
Rob Thomson Shares Trea Turner Injury Update
Unfortunately, Turner has been out with a right hamstring injury since leaving a game against the Miami Marlins on September 7. However, he has already began baseball practices, and on Sunday, he took another step forward by beginning tee work and continuing to play on the field.
Before Sunday’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals, Phillies manager Rob Thomson said, “I hate to say it, but he appears to be ahead of schedule.” You hear that all the time, but he’s doing very well.” (h/t Tim Kelly from On Pattinson)
This is a promising development for Philadelphia, given the team is on the cusp of clinching the NL East, and its primary focus now is on being fully healthy for a lengthy postseason run.
The Phillies have been playing shorthanded in the infield, with All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm on the injured list and Turner’s backup Edmundo Sosa also out with a groin injury. Turner appears to be ahead of schedule in his recuperation, so a regular-season comeback is probably possible.