The Philadelphia Phillies were getting exactly what they paid for from Trea Turner over the past month.
They signed him to an 11-year deal to add another MVP-caliber player to their lineup.
He has played up to that billing recently and has helped the Phillies take over the first NL Wild Card spot.
But even amid a contentious playoff race, Turner had to step away from the team for a few days.
According to the Phillies, Turner was placed on the paternity list before Tuesday’s game.
Prior to tonight’s game against the San Diego Padres, the Phillies placed SS Trea Turner on the paternity list. To fill his spot on the 28-man roster, the club recalled INF/OF Weston Wilson from Lehigh Valley (AAA).
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 5, 2023
This is great news for Turner and his family.
But, his absence will leave a void in their lineup.
On Tuesday, the Phillies ended up losing to the San Diego Padres, 8-0.
It is not a coincidence that the Phillies could not score a run in Turner’s first game on the paternity list.
The Phillies deeply missed having his offensive production in the lineup.
Over the past 15 games, Turner is hitting .358 with 10 home runs and 23 RBI.
He has been the best player on the Phillies of late and deserves plenty of credit for turning his season around.
Turner even won NL Player of the Week this past week.
Luis Rengifo: 11-for-25 (.440 AVG), 3 HR, 7 RBI, 1.207 OPS
Trea Turner: 11-for-26 (.423 AVG), 6 HR, 14 RBI, 9 R, 1.695 OPS
Your @Chevrolet AL and NL Players of the Week! pic.twitter.com/eZNS0T1G65
— MLB (@MLB) September 5, 2023
He is finally coming into his own as a Phillie and it could not have come at a better time.
The Phillies are all but a lock to be one of the Wild Card teams this year.
Last season, they used that spot to get to the World Series.
If they can get all their stars playing great at the same time there is no reason to believe they cannot do it again.
NEXT: Kyle Schwarber Has Reached An Elite Feat With The Phillies
