Trea Turner is back in the Washington Nationals’ lineup and hitting lead-off. The shortstop was activated from the injured list with a broken finger Friday, the team announced just ahead of their series opener against the Chicago Cubs.
Turner missed 39 games after being hit by a pitch while attempting to bunt on Apr. 2. He was off to a great start into the season hitting .357/.400/.857 with two home runs, four RBIs, four runs scored, and four stolen bases.
Turner’s early injury set the tone for the first quarter of the season, as the Nationals ultimately lost Anthony Rendon, Ryan Zimmerman, Juan Soto, and Matt Adams to the IL while Turner was out.
Turner went through a two-game rehab assignment to High A Potomac, going 1-for-8 with a walk, and four strikeouts in nine plate appearances.
Having him back in the lineup will eventually boost the Nationals’ top of the order, as he sets up for the likes of Victor Robles, Rendon, and Soto.
Washington placed right-handed pitcher Anibal Sanchez on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain. He suffered the injury in the second inning of Thursday’s win over the New York Mets.
The Nationals also optioned infielder Wilmer Difo to Triple-A Fresno and called up right-hander Kyle McGowin.
Difo hit .231/.301/.298 with two home runs and seven RBIs in 39 games while Turner was injured.
McGowin has started eight games for Fresno in the Pacific Coast League. He has a 4-2 record with a 4.32 ERA and 1.296 WHIP with Fresno.
