Special to Sports News Highlights

(SNH) — San Francisco Giants catcher Tom Murphy set up for a full-count pitch from Jordan Hicks. The apparent high strike was called a ball and a distracted Murphy whiffed at receiving an 86-mph sinker, allowing it to bounce off his mitt and roll to the brick backstop.

With Murphy failing to hustle, a wounded Trea Turner scored from second base, executing a stand-up slide at home plate. The Philadelphia Phillies’ opportunistic shortstop advanced 180 feet on a passed ball, extending the Phillies’ lead to 4-2 at Citizens Bank Park on May 3.

Surely, Murphy faced a stiff financial fine from the Giants’ post-game, locker-room Kangaroo court. Executing a play few players attempt, Turner proved again why he was considered by many to be the best player on the best team in Major League Baseball.

“It was a great play,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said, as reported by The Associated Press. "Won us a ballgame."

A few steps after rounding third base, however, Turner injured his left hamstring.

“I hate being hurt,” he said.

The next day, Turner landed on the 10-day injured reserve list. The two-time All-Star and former Silver Slugger is expected to miss at least six weeks.

Will the Phillies remain the best team in the majors when Turner returns?

Harper set to pick up slack

So far, so good.

After calling up Kody Clemens from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the Phillies captured their first four outings, capping a four-game sweep of the Giants and opening a two-game interleague series with the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. Tuesday night’s 10-1 victory was highlighted by Bryce Harper connecting on a grand slam and Clemens contributing a home run, triple and four RBI as the Phillies earned their seventh straight win.

The Blue Jays earned a 5-3 win Wednesday, handing the Phillies their third loss since April 24. The Phillies (26-12) open a three-game series at the Miami Marlins on Friday, a matchup of the NL East’s first- and last-place clubs.

In Turner’s absence, Harper, a two-time NL MVP, understands he’ll absorb extra pressure to produce as the Phillies attempt to hold off the Atlanta Braves (22-12), who have claimed each division title since 2018. They entered the weekend trailing the Phillies by two games.

“He's a guy who can carry a club,” Thomson said.

But will he have to?

The Phillies compiled a .257 team batting average, which was tied with the Braves for fourth-best in the majors. Defensively, the Phillies employ a pitching staff with a 3.26 earned-run average, fifth best in the league.

Along with Harper, the Phillies expect Nick Castellanos to snap his early-season slump. He had two hits Wednesday, which extended his hitting streak to five games and raised his batting average over the Mendoza Line (.207).

A more pressing concern for Thomson is discovering a suitable substitute for the No. 2 hole in the Phillies’ deep lineup. The club benefitted from Turner’s right-handed bat, slotted between Kyle Schwarber and Harper.

J.T. Realmuto is a candidate, as is Whitfield. They both had opportunities since Turner’s injury. Thomson likely will consider additional matchup analytics when filling out the batting order over the next few months.

“Hopefully, J.T. can fill the void there,” Thomson said.

Turner: ‘It is what it is’

In the moments following Turner’s dash home April 3, Turner, wearing a City Connect “Philly” uniform, rose and celebrated the hustling effort. 

He knew, though. He knew something was wrong.

About 30 minutes later, Turner couldn’t hide his discomfort from his teammates, the training staff and Thomson. The Phillies’ skipper discovered Turner in the locker room.

Thompson reached out and put his hand on Turner’s shoulder.

“It is what it is,” Turner said, as reported by The Athletic. “It could have been a lot worse than it was.”

As the lineup’s primary No. 2 hitter, Turner led the team with 27 runs scored and was hitting .343 with 10 stolen bases. His 1.6 WAR ranked second to teammate Alec Bohm’s 1.7. 

“It’s tough,” Thomson said. “It’s one of the best players in the game you’re losing. But we’ve been through this before. People just pick it up; that’s why we’ve got a team.”  

Among the plans to replace Turner defensively include providing Edmundo Sosa with a chance at increased playing time, but the 28-year-old likely will not assume an everyday role. Second baseman Bryson Stott could slide over, but it’s been two seasons since he played regularly at short.

Second baseman Whit Merrifield also could see his reserve-time role increase. Merrifield volunteered to start taking grounders at short, but since he has not played the position since college, Thompson said he appreciated the sentiment, but rejected the offer. 

“He’s a good teammate,” Thomson said.

Turner continues to prove he’s one, too. 

While recuperating from his first extended absence since breaking a finger during a 2019 bunt attempt, Turner will remain with the Phillies, helping " out any way I can,” he said. “It’s going to be tough watching. I’m still in it with them, obviously.

“My year’s not over.”

But will the Phillies remain the league’s top team in mid-June when Turner returns?

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