The Philadelphia Phillies may be getting their shortstop, Trea Turner, back before the end of the regular season.
In a recent story, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported that the team is hopeful Turner can return for the final series beginning Friday against the Minnesota Twins.
“The biggest drama remaining in the regular season is whether Turner can recover in time for some at-bats,” wrote Gelb. “The Phillies are thrilled with the shortstop’s progress; he’s continued to increase his activities while they were on the road. The team will bring three minor-league pitchers — Daniel Harper, Tommy McCollum and Andrew Walling — to Citizens Bank Park to throw to Turner this week. Turner could be activated for the final series of the season against the Minnesota Twins.”
Turner has been sidelined since Sept. 7 with a hamstring injury, and the Phillies have remained hopeful since then that he would be back and ready to go for the playoffs.
Given the New York Mets’ collapse, the team didn’t have to worry too much about rushing him back for the final stretch of the regular season. However, they know he is an integral part of their lineup and want him on the field for their first playoff game. Turner’s presence also helps with the team’s lineup construction.
“Once Turner returns, the Phillies can drop Harrison Bader lower in the lineup,” wrote Gelb. “(J.T.) Realmuto may go from hitting cleanup for most of September to seventh if the Phillies have (Alec) Bohm fourth, Brandon Marsh fifth and Bader sixth.”
The more Turner can play against the Twins, the better. The Phillies remain hopeful he will be ready to go for the series opener on Friday.
More MLB: Yankees Game 3 Starter for Wild Card Series Remains Unanswered Question
