Kosport Magazine’s Take: Phillies Expect Trea Turner Back After Six Week Absence
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Kosport Magazine
Jun 16, 2024, 12:16 PM ET
BALTIMORE — The Philadelphia Phillies are ready to welcome back their star shortstop, Trea Turner, on Monday after a six-week absence, according to manager Rob Thomson.
Thomson confirmed on Sunday that Turner would be activated on Monday barring any unexpected setbacks. Turner has been out of the lineup since May 3 due to a left hamstring strain.
Before his injury, Turner was leading the Phillies with a batting average of .343 and 10 stolen bases in 33 games.
The Phillies have been able to maintain their strong performance without Turner over the past six weeks, currently leading the National League East by eight games. But his return is sure to give the team an even bigger boost.
Monday’s game against the San Diego Padres will mark the first home game for the Phillies since June 5, as they have been on a long road trip, including a stop in London for a series against the New York Mets and games against the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles.
“It feels like we’ve been gone for a month,” Thomson joked.
In Turner’s absence, Edmundo Sosa has stepped up for the Phillies, hitting his fifth home run of the season on Saturday. Thomson praised Sosa’s performance, saying, “For the last couple of years, he’s been viewed as a utility player. But now, he’s making a name for himself as a shortstop. His value is at an all-time high because he’s been playing exceptionally well.”
Sosa is expected to have a role as an infield backup moving forward, and may even see some time in the outfield.
“If he’s not playing every day, there’s no harm in giving him some work in the outfield,” Thomson explained. “Just to see how he handles it and to make him a more versatile player.”
Kosport Magazine’s Take
The return of Trea Turner is long-awaited by the Philadelphia Phillies. After six weeks on the sidelines due to a left hamstring strain, Turner is finally ready to join his team on the field. His presence is sure to give the Phillies an extra boost as they continue to dominate in the National League East.
