Walker is better, Phillies encouraged by Turner’s progress originally appeared in NBC Sports Philadelphia
Taijuan Walker on Thursday night was unable to move the toe on his left foot that was hit by a line drive from Starling Marte and forced his exit, but he showed up at the stadium on Friday feeling better.
“Now he can put weight on and move around a little. So he’s a lot better,” manager Rob Thomson said before the start of a three-game series between the Phillies and Nationals. “I’m still not 100 percent sure if he’ll make his next debut, but that’s the trend.
Walker will have a touch and feel session on Monday, but his status for the start of next week could be determined before then. The Phillies hope to learn more this weekend.
Walker’s turn would be next Wednesday, at home, against Rangers. The Phillies are off on Monday, so they could skip his spot completely while keeping everyone else on regular rest, but that’s not the preference at this point.
“I’d rather not,” Thomson said. “I’d rather be able to give everyone an extra day.”
If Walker is unable to make his next start, Spencer Turnbull is the obvious solution to return to the rotation. Turnbull threw 54 pitches in three innings in relief of Ranger Suarez on Wednesday and will not be used unless there is a major emergency on Friday night. The Phillies could also play it safe and stay away from Turnbull on Saturday if they think they’ll need him for Wednesday’s start.
Turner making progress
Trea Turner has been on the injured list since straining his hamstring on May 3 against the Giants. He initially thought the injury might keep him out for six weeks, but less than two weeks later, he is making good progress.
Turner threw grounders, hit in the cage and did agility drills on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday was a recovery day, but he was still on the field at Citizens Bank Park at 3 p.m. to run in the outfield with a trainer and then do knee exercises with Bobby Dickerson and Larry Bowa.
“Very much,” Thomson said when asked if he is encouraged by Turner’s progress. “He’s really fine.
“The coaches are very happy with where he is. He’s doing his job and being careful. … We’re still in the preparation part. It’s really just making sure he doesn’t get another injury. That’s the biggest thing we have to do.” build it properly, because these things can come up at any time.”
Turner is hitting .343/.392/.460 in 148 games this season. Edmundo Sosa has done an admirable job filling in over the last two weeks, going 10-for-29 (.345) with two doubles, two triples, six RBI and six walks.
Turner’s absence also coincided with the hitting streak of Bryson Stott, who has hit .438/.583/.688 with 14 RBI in his last 11 games.
Turner will likely need to rehab before returning to the Phillies lineup.
