Phillies All-Star Sends 6-Word Message About Possible Lineup Change
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner is open to taking a step back in time. Turner typically hit second in his first two seasons with the Phillies. However, Phillies manager Rob Thomson recently said he’s considering batting the three-time All-Star leadoff. Turner spent part of his prime with the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers hitting atop the order. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Turner made it clear he’s not opposed to a lineup change. “I think it would be fun,” Turner said.
“It would be a little different,” Turner added, according to the Phillies’ official website. “I haven’t done it for a few years now. Kinda get back to a little bit more speed.”
According to Baseball-Reference, Turner hit second in every game last season. However, he spent part of 2023 hitting leadoff, especially in the season’s first month. Turner hit .279 with 47 home runs, 138 RBI, and 49 stolen bases in 53 attempts over the last two years. “I think when you’re leading off, that label kind of puts a little bit of perspective on it, the way pitchers pitch you,” Turner explained. “Maybe slightly, I don’t want to say always.
“But a couple things change here or there, or situations change here or there,” he continued. Moving Turner to the second spot would certainly mark an interesting change. Thompson suggested Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, and Kyle Schwarber would follow Turner in the lineup. At the same time, Turner at least has experience hitting leadoff. According to Baseball-Reference, Turner owns a .302 average and an .836 OPS in 487 games atop the order. Conversely, Turner has a .292 average and .821 OPS across 470 games in the No. 2 spot.
