For every Philadelphia fan, the seventh inning against the Marlins on September 7 was no less than a nightmare. Trea Turner, who was leading the NL with a .305 average, pulled up suddenly while running to first base, clutching his hamstring. Soon after, the diagnosis confirmed Philadelphia’s worst fears—a hamstring injury that landed their star player on the 10-day IL at the season’s most critical stretch. Now that the club is entering October, the manager has just provided an update.

Turner’s absence couldn’t have come at a worse time for Philadelphia. Before the injury, he was hitting .305 with 15 home runs, 69 RBIs, and 36 stolen bases with an OPS of .814. The 32-year-old is one of the most crucial attacking weapons for the ball club. His baserunning makes it difficult for the opposing team’s defenses to work, which gives the team’s power hitters opportunities to score. Turner and Schwarber, the dynamic pair, might break offensive records this postseason.

In a recent press conference, when asked about Trea Turner’s availability, manager Rob Thomson delivered the update every fan had been hoping to hear. “Yes, he will. Yes. Now, don’t get shocked if he comes out early,” Thomson stated. The manager wants him to give him more at-bats in the last regular game of the season before the NLDS.

The timing couldn’t be better. The Phillies just lost to the Twins 5-0 on Saturday night. This loss gave the Milwaukee Brewers the No. 1 seed in the NL and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. Trea Turner’s comeback is a big help, even though that setback hurts. His addition can strengthen the lineup and alleviate some of the pressure on Kyle Schwarber.

For this All-Star, the path to recovery has been steady and hopeful. He faced minor league pitchers on Tuesday and Wednesday, and he didn’t seem to hesitate at the plate. As per reports, he was running the bases with confidence on Friday and Saturday. He was also practising fielding and batting every day. Thomson’s confidence showed when he said, “He wants to play and the trainers deem him healthy.”

As Thomson said, Trea Turner will start on Sunday, which will probably help him get back into the swing of things. A healthy shortstop and a deep roster might help the dugout make up for losing home-field advantage and keep their chances of winning the championship very much alive.

Saturday night’s devastating loss to Minnesota served as a stark reminder of how urgently the team needs their star shortstop, Trea Turner, back in action.

Shutout loss for Philly; Turner’s comeback gains urgency

The Twins delivered a crushing 5-0 shutout that left Philadelphia stunned, with former Phillies prospect Mick Abel orchestrating their downfall from the mound. Abel dominated his former teammates with precision, carving through six scoreless innings without giving up a run, giving up only three singles and one walk, and striking out nine batters.

On the contrary, the Phillies starter, Ranger Suarez, struggled, giving up three runs on nine hits in just over four innings before leaving with a thigh injury. The Twins took advantage of early chances and kept the pressure on. Byron Buxton, James Outman, and Ryan Fitzgerald all hit home runs to help their offense.

Minnesota’s bullpen, Pierson Ohl and Kody Funderburk, finished the last several innings without any problems, keeping Abel’s gem safe. At the same time, Philadelphia’s lineup was mostly quiet. The Phillies didn’t pose much of a danger to the Twins’ pitching, other than a few scattered hits.

Offensively weak and inconsistent, the Phillies couldn’t generate momentum. Harper only got one hit, and Schwarber didn’t get any in four at-bats. They didn’t have the same effect as usual because they couldn’t really threaten Minnesota’s pitching. The bats were quiet, which makes Trea Turner’s return even more crucial, as it can change the momentum for the club.