Getting a healthy Trea Turner back in the lineup could make the Philadelphia Phillies the team to beat in the National League this October.
Turner, who led the National League in hits and batting average entering Thursday, has been out since Sept. 7 with a hamstring strain. A star sustaining an injury that late in the season is every team’s nightmare, but Turner’s quick recovery thus far has been reassuring.
On Wednesday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported on Turner’s fast progress, which included a one-word note from manager Rob Thomson that seems to indicate the Phillies are excited about the possibility of getting their star shortstop back soon.
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“Great,” Thomson said, Gelb. “He just continues to have good days.”
Gelb’s report also included the specifics of Turner’s rehab activities, and with only nine games remaining in the regular season, it appears the 32-year-old is almost certain to get some at-bats under his belt before the Phillies’ likely first-round bye.
“Turner jogged at 50 percent on Wednesday, Thomson said. He’s been taking grounders and hitting in the cage,” Gelb wrote. “The Phillies have been encouraged — surprised, even — by Turner’s pace.
“Now the Phillies have begun to plan for Turner’s return. They could summon a minor-league pitcher to Citizens Bank Park next week so Turner can see live pitching. The Phillies expect Turner to return to the active roster before the regular season ends, but how many at-bats he has in actual games could depend on the race for the batting title.”
Turner was hitting .305 at the time of his injury. Entering play on Thursday, he led Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner by two points (.303), with Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick (.296) and Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (.295) also within striking distance.
Hoerner and San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez are tied for second place in hits with 168, 11 behind Turner at 179.
What matters most, though, is that Turner should be at full strength by the time the Phillies open up their postseason run with a best-of-five matchup in the National League Division Series.
With their lineup at the peak of its powers, the Phillies may very well be the favorites to win the pennant, given their roster depth and vast playoff experience.
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