As the Philadelphia Phillies continue to heat up after a disappointing start to the season, one lingering concern is the ongoing slump of star shortstop Trea Turner. While the team has begun to find its footing, Turner has yet to return to his usual level of production. On Monday, interim manager Don Mattingly addressed Turner’s struggles and made it clear that his confidence in the veteran has not wavered.
Mattingly was asked whether Turner’s difficulties could lead to a change in the batting order, particularly with Turner hitting second. Rather than signaling any adjustment, Mattingly firmly stood by him. Turner is currently batting .219 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs, but the manager emphasized that he believes Turner will find his rhythm as the season progresses.
According to Mattingly, showing confidence in a player is critical, especially during tough stretches. He explained that making drastic moves can sometimes send the message that the organization no longer believes in a player, something he wants to avoid. From his perspective, Turner’s track record and work ethic suggest better days are ahead.
Mattingly also pushed back against the idea that Turner is the main reason for the Phillies’ offensive struggles. He noted that scoring issues are rarely the fault of one player and stressed that Turner remains a key piece of the team’s long-term success. If the Phillies are going to reach their full potential, Mattingly believes Turner will need to be a big part of it.
For now, there are no plans to move Turner in the lineup or reduce his role. Whether and when he turns things around remains to be seen, but the Phillies will continue to show patience as they open a new series against the Miami Marlins.