Trea Turner, the Philadelphia Phillies’ shortstop, suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain on September 7. He was able to return for the last regular-season game. Turner is still believed to be healing from his injury as he waits for his chance in the 2025 MLB playoffs.
Turner faces a difficult struggle with a persistent injury, such as a hamstring issue, that will last until October, but he will do his best to play through it. No MLB player is 100 percent going into the postseason, especially after a long and rigorous season, but Turner may face limits in the NLDS.
Trea Turner’s speed could be key to Phillies’ playoff success, if he’s fully healthy
In 2024, Turner needed time to adjust after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain. When he came back, he was cautious on the base paths, cutting back on steals before eventually regaining his trademark speed.
This year’s injury isn’t as serious, but the question remains: can he ramp up quickly enough to use his game-changing speed? The Phillies’ first-round bye gave him extra rest, but the uncertainty lingers heading into Saturday.
Turner captured the NL batting title with a .304 average in 2025, though his greatest impact came with his legs. Over 141 games, he racked up 31 doubles, seven triples, and 36 stolen bases — his highest total since 2018. According to Statcast, he was also the fastest player in the league by sprint speed, making him a nightmare for opponents and a worthy MVP candidate.
The concern, however, is the risk of re-injury if he pushes too hard. The Phillies want to see him unleash his speed, but losing him altogether would be a devastating blow. In the regular-season finale, he eased through two at-bats, running lightly on groundouts to avoid setbacks.
“I knew if I was going to hit a ground ball, I wasn’t going to do anything stupid,” Turner told MLB.com’s Paul Casella. “It was more about getting back out there, tracking pitches, and playing defense. I didn’t get much in the field, but the at-bats felt good. I wasn’t going to go crazy if I hit something.”
Turner’s health will be a storyline all postseason, from the NLDS onward. The Phillies are counting on him to ramp up quickly, with the chance at a championship serving as extra motivation. But pushing himself carries risk, and only Turner and the training staff can gauge how much is too much.
At 32, Turner remains a dynamic offensive force capable of altering a game with one swing or one sprint. His speed still sets him apart, and his value to the Phillies is unquestionable. He understands the risk of playing through injury, but also the reward that could come with a World Series run.