The Philadelphia Phillies have been without their leadoff man on a consistent basis, as shortstop Trea Turner will be limited on the base paths for the foreseeable future. His health is even more important given the soft-tissue injuries he sustained in the past two seasons.
Philadelphia sits at 55-44, second behind the first-place Atlanta Braves, in a race that has tightened considerably due in part ot the Phillies' uptick in offense and the long-awaited return of starter Zack Wheeler earlier in the season.
Turner has twice been sidelined with hamstring strains in his three seasons with the Phillies, including a six-week absence back in 2024 and a right hamstring strain in late September of last season that lingered throughout the postseason.
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That same tightness that returned before the All-Star break is another reminder of how the Phillies need him healthy as they plan on making a return to the postseason.
Destiny Lugardo of Phillies Nation relayed Don Mattingly's encouraging update on Sunday on where Turner stands as the second half ramps up.
"He's not 100%, but a lot better than we were before the break," Mattingly said.
Turner's speed at the top of the order has been central to how Philadelphia scores, setting the table up for Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper.
In his first game back after the break, Turner went 3-for-4 with a home run, a walk and three runs scored in the Phillies' 6-1 win over the New York Mets. Even limited, he will likely be an everyday feature in the lineup unless the hamstring flares up into something more serious.
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