UPDATE: Shortstop Trea Turner will make his highly anticipated return to the Philadelphia Phillies for their regular-season finale against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, September 24, 2023. This news comes from Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who addressed reporters just hours ago.
Turner has been sidelined since September 7 due to a strained right hamstring, but the National League East champions confirmed he is set to be back as they prepare for the playoffs. Thomson indicated that Turner will play shortstop but may not complete the full nine innings.
Turner’s return is crucial as he currently leads the National League in batting average at .305 and ranks second in hits with 179, trailing only Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres. Additionally, Turner boasts an impressive 36 stolen bases, highlighting his key role in the team’s success.
The Phillies suffered a 5-0 loss to the Twins on Saturday, which secured their position as the No. 2 seed in the NL playoffs. This outcome has granted the Milwaukee Brewers home-field advantage, as they hold the tiebreaker despite the Phillies potentially finishing with the best record in baseball.
In a concerning development from Saturday’s game, starter Ranger Suarez was struck by a 106 mph line drive, resulting in a right thigh contusion. The team reports that Suarez will undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of his injury.
As the Phillies gear up for their playoff run, Turner’s return will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His performance could be pivotal as the team aims for a deep postseason run.
Stay tuned for more updates on Turner’s health and the Phillies’ playoff preparations.
