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The Washington Nationals’ season is not going as well as projected. After getting a much-needed win over Atlanta on Sunday, the Nats took another step backwards with a loss to Milwaukee to drop the once National League East kings to 49-50 on the season. It’s been a frustrating season to say the least with list of injuries and mishaps and now it seems the frustration is boiling, as exemplified with Trea Turner’s odd bunting sequence in the fourth inning.
Turner laid down a bunt that bounced off near the home plate right into the glove of a charging Jhoulys Chacin. Turner didn’t bother to run instead he dropped his bat and helmet and nonchalantly walked off the field. Since he did not bother to run, the home plate umpire called him out without Chacin having to make a play at first.
Maybe not Trea Turner‘s best effort here. pic.twitter.com/TgqdkQjxpR
— Rudy Gersten (@DCBarno) July 24, 2018
The odd sequence baffled Nationals’ commentator F.P. Santagelo, who criticized Turner right after the commercial break — which ironically aired Turner’s “run the bases” promotion.
“I’ve never seen that before” -FP on Trea Turner pic.twitter.com/yFND70N2nv
— Rudy Gersten (@DCBarno) July 24, 2018
Yes, the bunt was bad, but in the game of baseball you’re supposed to run to first base or attempt to in any way to see what will happen. With Turner’s great speed, he could have caused an errant throw from Chacin in a panic. Anything could have happened, but Turner and the Nationals will never know as he never took a step towards first.
What makes matters worse is the score was tied at 1-1. Washington went on to lose 6-1.
Definitely a night Turner will want to forget
— Byron Kerr (@ByronKerr) July 24, 2018
Turner’s baffling decision not to challenge Milwaukee’s fielding of the bunt comes just days after the Nationals’ two aces Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg got into a heated exchange in the dugout that led to manager Dave Martinez having a meeting with the two. Earlier this month, Martinez had to sit down and speak to Bryce Harper after he did not hustle down first base after he hit a grounder that went into a double play.
Martinez weighed on Turner’s bunt following the game, and alluded to the shortstop not playing in Tuesday’s game as punishment.
#Nats' skipper Davey Martinez on Trea Turner's odd bunt/decision not to run it out in loss to the #Brewers: pic.twitter.com/DN3hHKTLwF
— federalbaseball (@federalbaseball) July 24, 2018
The Nats are struggling to jump start their season and it appears the players are on edge as time is running out on reversing the course of the season. First Harper’s decision not to run to first, then the Scherzer-Strasburg confrontation and now Turner’s decision not to run to first. At least, Turner can think about his error in judgement as he watches Tuesday night’s game from the bench.
