Phillies injury updates on Turner, Marte and Marchan originally appeared in NBC Sports Philadelphia
DENVER – Trea Turner ran with increased intensity Saturday at Coors Field as he recovered from a hamstring strain suffered 22 days ago.
Coach Rob Thomson said Friday that Saturday would be a “tough day” for Turner. He ran, caught grounders and hit the batting cage.
Depending on how he responds to Saturday’s work, Turner could run the bases in San Francisco, where the Phillies play Monday through Wednesday. This would be the next step in his recovery.
In addition to running the bases, the Phillies want to see Turner hit in a live batting practice or simulated game environment. From there, he could potentially begin a rehabilitation assignment.
Turner is working hard and has been feeling good so far, but the Phillies are being careful with him. The risk of aggravating a hamstring injury is greater if a player returns too quickly, and if he is injured again, his return could take even longer.
Marte begins rehabilitation work
Right-handed reliever Yunior Marte began a rehab assignment Saturday with Triple A Lehigh Valley and was scheduled to pitch the game against Rochester.
Marte has been sidelined since May 1 due to inflammation in his right shoulder. He has a 2.70 ERA in 12 starts this season. He gave up just one run in his first 9⅔ innings, then allowed five (three earned) in his next 3⅔ before going on the injured list.
“We have some time. Let’s make sure he’s ready to go, check a lot of boxes,” Thomson said.
Marchan finally playing
Third-string catcher Rafael Marchan, the only defenseman on the 40-man roster other than JT Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs, is about two weeks into his rehab mission. He played four games for Class A Clearwater, then transferred to Triple A, where he played four games.
“(He’s) good, catching a lot, he caught nine yesterday, he’s catching nine today,” Thomson said. “Swinging the bat well, catching well, throwing people out. He’s playing well.”
Marchan has spent a lot of time on the injured list over the past three seasons with a broken hand, hamstring and back issues. The 25-year-old is an important piece of depth should the Phillies lose Realmuto or Stubbs for any length of time. Aramis Garcia had won most games at Triple A before Marchan’s return, but is hitting just .172.
