Breaking news: he is back…..
The Philadelphia Phillies have reactivated shortstop Trea Turner for Monday’s game against the San Diego Padres, the team announced. Turner, 30, has been sidelined since May 3 due to a significant hamstring strain. Initially, it was anticipated that he would be out for at least six weeks, a prediction that turned out to be accurate, as last Friday marked the six-week point.
Interestingly, Turner has not participated in a rehab assignment and will return to the Phillies’ lineup without any game action since his injury. Typically, players who miss this much time play in a few minor-league games to regain their timing.
Before his injury, Turner was having an excellent start to the season, hitting .343/.392/.460 (144 OPS+) with two home runs and 10 stolen bases (in 11 attempts) over 33 games. His performance was valued at 1.6 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball-Reference.
During Turner’s absence, the Phillies relied on veteran utility player Edmundo Sosa, who performed admirably, posting a .280/.343/.512 (142 OPS+) slash line with five home runs and two stolen bases this season.
To make room for Turner, center fielder Johan Rojas was optioned to Triple-A. Rojas, known for his defensive prowess, has been hitting .235/.271/.295 in 58 games. It is expected that Philadelphia will rotate Brandon Marsh and Cristian Pache in center field and David Dahl and Whit Merrifield in left field, with Sosa possibly seeing some outfield action as well.
