When will Phillies’ Trea Turner return from injury?

There is no set injury return date yet. Still, the early-mid June timeline is a crucial update. The Phillies have performed well despite his absence, as they hold the best record in baseball with a 36-14 mark. They are currently six games ahead of the talented Atlanta Braves in the National League East.

The majority of experts around the MLB world expected the Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers to compete for the best record in the league. Instead, it is the Phillies that have been scorching hot throughout the first two months of the new campaign.

Trea Turner’s injury return will still be crucial for the Phillies, though. He is one of the best all-around players in the sport when healthy.

Trea Turner’s impact

Turner, a two-time All-Star, was off to a great start in 2024. Through 33 games, he slashed .343/.392/.460/.852. Turner also hit two home runs and stole 10 bases during that span. It seemed like he was on track for another All-Star appearance, and he still may be able to play in the Midsummer Classic as long as he returns fairly soon.

Turner is a talented shortstop who offers some defensive versatility if needed. The Phillies signed him ahead of the 2023 campaign. Following a slow start to his Phillies career, Turner found his footing in the second-half of the season and played a big role in helping Philadelphia reach the playoffs.

The Phillies are a better team when Turner is on the field. Barring any setbacks, it will not be too long before Philadelphia gets their star shortstop back.

Phillies finding ways to win

Losing a player like Turner and still finding ways to win is not an easy task to accomplish. Fortunately for Philadelphia, they feature a talented and deep enough roster to still take care of business on the diamond.

It all starts with the pitching. Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola are ace-caliber starters, but Ranger Suarez’s quiet dominance cannot be ignored. Wheeler and Nola have been impressive, but Suarez may end up earning serious National League Cy Young consideration.

Offensively, the lineup features stars such as Bryce Harper and JT Realmuto. Additionally, Kyle Schwarber has enjoyed some big moments. Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott are both young players with high-ceilings and they have helped the lineup without question.

Edmundo Sosa deserves credit for stepping into the shortstop role amid Trea Turner’s absence for the Phillies. Sosa has played well in 2024. Meanwhile, veteran Whit Merrifield is not hitting the ball well but he is capable of playing shortstop if necessary.

The Phillies are a dangerous ball club. They reached the World Series in 2022 and fell short. Perhaps they will make another Fall Classic appearance in 2024.