The Phillies got an update on Trea Turner’s status ahead of Saturday night’s game against the Giants and Citizens Bank Park.
It wasn’t great.
Turner, who is hitting .343 and has been a spark from second in the batting order all year, is expected to miss at least six weeks with a left hamstring injury he suffered while scoring what proved to be the decisive run in the fourth inning on Friday night. He has played in every game this season.
He was placed on the IL for 10 days. Kody Clemens was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill his roster spot.
“When it happened, I thought it was more serious than anything that had happened to me in the past,” Turner said, standing in the middle of the clubhouse. “I wasn’t expecting it to be this good (right away). But it could have been a lot worse than it was.
“Anything before six weeks would be a win. That’s what they’re telling me so far, but with injuries in general I think it’s hard to put a timetable on it.
Turner’s injury came at a time not only when he was one of the best hitters in baseball but when the team had won 14 of its last 18 games and had just moved ahead of the Braves at the top of the NL East standings.
As much as his presence will be missed, it’s also clear that it’s unknown for how long, or even if, he’ll be able to pick up where he left off.
Edmundo Sosa started at shortstop on Saturday night. Bryson Stott, who was primarily a shortstop when he debuted in 2022 and then played exclusively at second last year, is also expected to see some time at shortstop.
When Stott is at shortstop, Whit Merrifield and Clemens will likely see the bulk of playing time at second.
JT Realmuto will bat second until further notice.
“It’s tough,” manager Rob Thompson said. “She’s one of the best players in the game that you lose. But we’ve been through this before and people pick on him. That’s why you have a team. For the most part, Sosa will play shortstop. But you have to be careful with him as well, because he doesn’t play every day. If you By sending him out there for 10 days in a row, you are potentially putting him at risk.
“When he’s not playing, I think we’re comfortable with Stott playing second and White or Clemens playing second.”
Stott hasn’t taken players at all this season and was tarp on the field before Saturday’s game. Thompson said he would like to have him practice at his new old position before putting him there for a game.
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