The Philadelphia Phillies are excited for the return of star shortstop Trea Turner on Monday, as per manager Rob Thomson. Turner has been out of action since May 3 due to a left hamstring strain but is expected to be activated unless any unexpected issues arise. Prior to his injury, Turner was hitting .343 with 10 stolen bases in 33 games.
Despite Turner’s absence, the Phillies have continued to perform well and currently lead the NL East by eight games, even after a recent 8-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. The team will be playing at home on Monday for the first time since June 5, following a series of away games including a trip to London to face the New York Mets.
While Turner has been sidelined, Edmundo Sosa has stepped up and delivered strong performances. Sosa hit his fifth home run of the season on Saturday and has proven to be a valuable asset to the team. Thomson praised Sosa’s versatility and acknowledged that he has been viewed as a utility player in the past but is now being recognized as a reliable shortstop. Sosa is likely to continue contributing as an infield backup and could also see some playing time in the outfield.
Looking ahead, Thomson mentioned the possibility of giving Sosa some outfield work to increase his versatility and comfort level. This strategic move would allow the Phillies to explore different lineup options and maximize Sosa’s value to the team. Despite Turner’s imminent return, Sosa’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, and he is expected to play a significant role moving forward.
As the Phillies prepare to welcome back Turner and adjust their lineup, the team remains focused on maintaining their lead in the division standings. Turner’s return will undoubtedly bolster the team’s lineup, but Sosa’s strong performances have proven that the Phillies have depth and talent to rely on as they continue their quest for a successful season.
