Trea Turner Historic Chase Depends on Injury Recovery

Trea Turner Historic Chase Depends on Injury Recovery image

Trea Turner keeps climbing the leaderboards even while nursing a hamstring strain that’s kept him off the field.

The Phillies shortstop is having his best season yet, posting 5.3 WAR with 15 home runs, 69 RBIs and 36 stolen bases. He’s also leading the National League in both hits (179) and batting average (.305).

With eight games left, Turner’s chasing some pretty rare territory. If he finishes in the top two in both batting average and stolen bases, he’ll become the first player to pull off the feat multiple times since Hall of Famer Honus Wagner.

But Turner’s spot isn’t locked up. Chicago’s Nico Hoerner and Pete Crow-Armstrong are still threats to pass him in average and steals, respectively, while Turner works his way back from the IL.

The Phillies haven’t ruled out getting him back before the regular season ends. They’re in a race for the National League’s No. 1 seed with Milwaukee, so they’d certainly welcome Turner’s return. Earlier this week, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported Turner’s been progressing quickly.

“Turner jogged at 50 percent on Wednesday. He’s been taking grounders and hitting in the cage.”

That’s manager Rob Thomson talking to The Athletic.

According to Gelb, the Phillies are “encouraged — surprised, even — by Turner’s pace.” The club’s considering bringing in a minor league pitcher next week to give Turner live at-bats before activating him.

Turner might not push his hamstring chasing steals, but he could look to protect his batting title as Philadelphia gears up for October.

The way things are shaping up, Turner’s got a real shot at something special here. Even if the hamstring keeps him cautious on the basepaths, locking up that batting crown would cap off what’s already been a career year.

Luke Bennett avatar
Luke Bennett
4 weeks ago