Shortstop Trea Turner is rejoining the Philadelphia Phillies for their regular-season finale Sunday against the Minnesota Twins.
Turner was activated from the injured list after being out because of a strained right hamstring. He hasn’t played since Sept. 7, although the National League East champion Phillies said at the time of the injury that he was expected back by the playoffs.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson told reporters Saturday that Turner would play shortstop Sunday but isn’t expected to go the full nine innings.
Turner leads the NL in batting average (.305), and his 179 hits rank second behind the San Diego Padres‘ Luis Arraez entering Saturday. Turner also has 36 stolen bases.
In a corresponding move, right-hander Max Lazar was optioned to the rookie-level Florida Complex League Phillies.
Philadelphia lost to the Twins 5-0 on Saturday, locking it into the No. 2 seed in the NL playoffs and assuring the Milwaukee Brewers home-field advantage. The Phillies could still finish tied for the best record in baseball with Milwaukee, but the Brewers have the tiebreaker.
Phillies starter Ranger Suarez was hit by a 106 mph line in Saturday’s game. The team said Suarez had a right thigh contusion and would be evaluated further.