National’s All Star shortstop Trea Turner suffered a broken right index finger in Tuesday night’s 8-2 loss to the Phillies. The injury occurred when he guessed wrong on a pitch, thinking it was a curveball but receiving a fastball, when attempting to bunt. There is not yet a timetable for his return.
Turner, 25, appeared in all 162 games for the Nationals last season, hitting .271/.344/.416 with 19 home runs, 27 doubles, six triples, and 73 RBIs. His 162 games played, 740 plate appearances, 664 at-bats, and 43 stolen bases all led the National League.
This is an enormous blow for the Nationals, as their next best option at shortstop is 27-year-old Wilmer Difo, who hit .230/.298/.350 in 148 games last season. One of Adam Eaton or Victor Robles will take over the leadoff spot in the order in his absence.
While you never want anyone to get hurt, this is “good news” for the Mets, Phillies, and Braves, who are all competing for a division title with the Nationals.
After playing two home series against the Mets and Phillies, the Nationals travel to Citi Field for a three game set starting on Thursday against the Mets, and then travel to Philadelphia for another series against the Phillies.
