Philadelphia Phillies star Trea Turner had a hard time at shortstop in Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Generally considered a safe pair of hands, Turner committed four defensive miscues (one ruled an error) before powering the Phillies to a 10-7 victory.
Turner’s errors put extra load on Cristopher Sanchez and helped Los Angeles stay within striking distance. However, he then made up for the defensive struggles offensively, going 3-for-5 with two home runs, a double and five RBIs.
Despite the offensive showing, Phillies radio analyst Hunter Brody called the shortstop the biggest problem on the Phillies.
“I didn’t even anticipate a four-error night, and I have zero confidence and zero belief in Trea Turner,” Brody said. “He pisses me off, he sucks and he’s atrocious, and even I didn’t think it would be that anemic. Yet here we are. Trea Turner is the story. He cannot be your shortstop. He’s the biggest problem on the Phillies.”
According to Brody, the problem with Turner is that even though he may not be good in his position, the Phillies will still not be able to move him to a corner outfield position.
“And the problem is there really is no fixing it, because they’re not going to throw him to right field. They’re not going to ask him to change positions. They are living and dying with this man,” Brody continued.
Brody also called out Turner’s contract, an 11-year, $300 million deal signed with the Phillies in December 2022.
“We downplay what he was supposed to be because we know he stinks, and we know he’s never going to live up to the hype of that contract. He got paid $300 million to be the right-hand man of Bryce Harper,” Brody added.
The radio host no longer trusts any ground ball going Turner’s way. His defensive miscues might be too much for a postseason contender, fears the analyst.
Phillies Interim Manager Fully Expresses Confidence In Trea Turner
No matter what people on the outside think, Trea Turner has the full backing of Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly.
Mattingly publicly defended the veteran in the post-game interview.
“I trust Trea,” Mattingly said. “Honestly, I trust all of our guys. Trea is going to make some great plays, there’s going to be errors with everybody. Again, Trea works. So he’s out there every day working on the ground balls, working on his hands, all that type of stuff. As long as Trea works, we ride with Trea.”
Regarding the error-prone game, Turner said:
“I couldn’t tell you, you know. It happens, keep working and get through it.”
Turner had an excellent season at shortstop last year, but this season he has already committed 15 errors. What’s even more concerning is that nine out of those 15 errors have come in the past five weeks. Moreover, for someone with his base-running skills, only three steals in the last 33 games also feels like less.
Mattingly appears to be confident that Turner might find his way back defensively and help the Phillies from both sides of the plate.
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