The Philadelphia Phillies will get their star shortstop back for the final game of the regular season on Sunday. On Saturday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported that Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Turner will play a couple of innings at shortstop in Sunday’s season finale.
It will be Turner's first game back since injuring his hamstring on Sept. 7. The idea will be for Turner to at least get some work in before having to sit the next five days before the NLDS begins next Sat., Oct. 4.
There was the possibility of Turner feeling healthy enough to return right before the postseason, but the weight of risk gave the Phillies initial pause trying to get Turner back on the field. Now, with him being medically cleared, he's able to get some live in-game action before the most important series of the year so far. The postseason was always the priority (subscription required) so they won't push him too much.
The corresponding roster move sees right-hander Max Lazar optioned.
Prior to today’s game against the Minnesota Twins, the Phillies reinstated SS Trea Turner from the 10-day injured list. To make room on the 28-man roster, RHP Max Lazar was optioned to the FCL Phillies (R).
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 28, 2025
A healthy Trea Turner is a vital piece of the Phillies’ lineup
The Phillies couldn't afford to lose Turner. He was on pace to have his best season as a member of the Phillies since he signed the 11-year, $300 million deal in 2023. He was not only their leadoff hitter, but a real leader for them offensively.
Turner had turned into the Phillies perfect table setter for the middle of the lineup, while also having the best defensive season of his career. Per Statcast, Turner's 16 outs above average ranks fourth among all active MLB shortstops.
For the second time in his career, he also will look to capture the NL batting title coming into Sunday with a slash line of .305/.356/.458, good for an .815 OPS. He's looking to finish second in the NL in hits with 179 and also land on the NL MVP ballot alongside teammate Kyle Schwarber.
Turner suffered a similar injury last season, where he missed six weeks of the regular season before returning, so Turner and the Phillies are lucky that he only had to miss a few weeks instead. At the beginning of the season, Turner made a concerted effort to put the ball in play more, to cut down on his swing-and-miss. Thomson didn't want Turner to focus on home runs, and now is looking to payoff massively in October.
With Turner back, the Phillies are a more complete team, and with how this team has shaped up, he could be the driving force toward a World Series title.