Trea Turner returns just in time for Phillies' season finale

In the United States, Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner is set to make his anticipated return to the lineup for the regular-season finale on September 29, 2025. After suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain on September 7 during a game against the Miami Marlins, Turner had been sidelined for most of the month. His injury led to him being placed on the 10-day injured list, but according to manager Rob Thomson, he has now been cleared by trainers to play in the crucial game against the Minnesota Twins. Thomson has indicated that Turner will start at shortstop. The Phillies have experienced a successful run in Turner's absence, clinching the National League East title and securing a first-round bye heading into the playoffs. They are virtually locked into the No. 2 seed for the postseason. Turner’s return is seen as a significant boost for the team's offensive capabilities as they prepare for the National League Division Series that begins on October 4. He finished the season with an impressive .305 batting average, alongside 15 home runs and 69 RBIs. There is considerable pressure on the Phillies as they make their return to the playoffs. In discussions about postseason success, ESPN's Jorge Castillo emphasized that the team's chances will hinge largely on Turner's performance. Although the Phillies' offense has managed to score effectively without him, the challenges of the playoffs are expected to differ significantly from the regular season. It has been noted that Turner’s ability to quickly find his rhythm post-injury will be crucial for the team's playoff success. Throughout his regular season, he stood out by winning the National League batting title, leading the league with 179 hits and stealing 36 bases. As the Phillies head into this decisive period, the hope is that Turner's experience and talent can catalyze the offense, especially since they hadn’t faced many playoff-caliber teams in recent weeks. Manager Thomson expressed cautious optimism regarding Turner’s readiness, mentioning that while he will start, there is a possibility of him being taken out of the game early to manage his recovery. Thus, Turner’s presence is not only a return to form for the player himself but a strategic maneuver by the Phillies as they aim for postseason success.