He started off so well in camp before shining on the international stage in the World Baseball Classic that it feels like Trea Turner's been a Phillie for quite some time already.
Thursday afternoon in Texas against Jacob deGrom and the Rangers, he makes his real Phillies debut atop the lineup for Game 1 of 162.
Turner is one of baseball's most dynamic top-of-the-order threats, whether he's setting the table or driving in runs. He's hit .298 or better four years in a row, leading the league in hits, batting average, total bases, triples and stolen bases at various points over that time. His presence will be enormous for a Phillies team without Bryce Harper for at least a couple of months and Rhys Hoskins for the season.
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SIGN UP HERE With Turner leading off, Kyle Schwarber moves to the two-hole. The elimination of the infield shift should be a huge help for Schwarber, especially when Turner is being held on at first base. The new pick-off rules limiting a pitcher to three attempts per plate appearance will make Turner even more dangerous on the basepaths.
Schwarber has better career numbers hitting second (.240/.358/.507) than leadoff (.224/.320/.520). This should all mean plenty of RBI opportunities for J.T. Realmuto.
The injury to Hoskins, who undergoes ACL surgery today in Fort Worth, will hurt. It will mean an even larger role for Darick Hall, who was a top option to DH against right-handers but now is the primary first baseman. Jake Cave, another left-handed hitter, will also see more starting reps throughout the season against righties as a result. He's in there today, batting eighth.
1. Trea Turner, SS
MLB
2. Kyle Schwarber, DH
3. J.T. Realmuto, C
4. Darick Hall, 1B
5. Nick Castellanos, RF
6. Bryson Stott, 2B
7. Alec Bohm, 3B
8. Jake Cave, LF
9. Brandon Marsh, CF
Aaron Nola is on the mound for his sixth consecutive opening-day start. The Phillies have won three of the five he's made and he's 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA.