The Philadelphia Phillies are in a tight race for a National League playoff spot. While they may not have a chance at the NL East division title this year, they are still in position to make the postseason.
Shortstop Trea Turner has been on a tear for the Phillies since the All-Star break. After an extremely disappointing first half, the 33-year-old veteran has mashed over his last 22 games.
Across his last 101 plate appearances, he has posted a .298 batting average, .337 on-base percentage, .922 OPS, seven home runs and 14 RBIs.
After being a liability for much of the season, Turner has arguably been the best hitter in the lineup since the break, and it is coming at exactly the right time.
Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Turner was not in the lineup for Monday's series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Instead, backup infielder Edmundo Sosa drew the start up the middle and hit eighth in the order.
Interim manager Don Mattingly announced the reason for his decision to take Turner out of the starting nine before the game, revealing he simply wanted to give Turner a day off, according to Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic.
It is worth mentioning that Mattingly previously noted Turner had experienced general soreness coming out of the break, including in his hamstring, which is not ideal for a player whose game revolves around his speed.
However, it is clear the soreness has not significantly impacted him given how well he has performed in recent weeks.
Turner should be available off the bench Monday and will likely return to the starting nine Tuesday for another matchup against St. Louis.
