The Philadelphia Phillies won their second straight game to open the 2025 season, defeating the Washington Nationals 11-6 on Saturday. The offense put up a big performance, hitting three home runs and 14 hits.
However, the Phillies were missing one of the key starters in Saturday’s game as shortstop Trea Turner was scratched before first pitch, leading to Edmundo Sosa taking over. Sosa played well in Turner’s place, going 2-for-4 with a double, RBI, and a run scored.
After Saturday’s win over the Nats, Turner told reporters why he was scratched an hour before the game.
The star shortstop said he was dealing with some hip discomfort in spring training and has a feeling that played a part in his back locking up when fielding a groundball before the game.
"I had a little hip thing back in spring training and then Thursday after the game it got a little tight on me, Turner said (h/t Corey Seidman). Maybe three or four days left in spring, my right hip. Felt good playing, it was more sitting down or sleeping. It felt a little weird, but then when I played, it would feel fine. I think that turned into this.
Just treated it, treated it. But doing groundballs, it kinda grabbed on me. I’ve never had anything like this. I feel way better now than I did a few hours ago. Basically did treatment all day. I don’t know a timeline or anything but hopefully tomorrow, if not the next day."
The Phillies hope Turner’s injury won’t become an ongoing thing as the team wants him and Kyle Schwarber to rotate hitting lead-off this season. Turner was the lead-off hitter on Opening Day as the Phillies faced a left-handed pitcher in Mackenzie Gore. However, he didn’t fare well, going 0-for-4 at the plate with a walk.
Philadelphia has put out its lineup for Sunday’s series finale against the Nationals, and Turner will be out again. They are scheduled to face another southpaw in Mitchell Parker.