The Philadelphia Phillies are currently in London for a much-anticipated series with the New York Mets where they hope to get word on a potential return for injured shortstop Trea Turner.
Turner – who is expected to return to the Phillies sometime mid-month – received an update from manager Rob Thomsen, where he explained why Turner may skip his rehab assignment, per MLB.com:
“Turner was scheduled to run on a practice field just outside London Stadium on June 8. He did his normal ground ball work and took batting practice in the batting cage before the game against the Mets. Once the Phillies arrive in Boston for a series that starts Tuesday, they will ramp up his rehab again.
Manager Rob Thomson said he does not have a date when Turner will be activated from the IL, but he said Turner might not need a rehab assignment.
Why not?
‘Because he can refuse it,' Thomson said.
Turner experienced a minor setback in his recovery during the club's series in Colorado, when he felt some leg soreness following a high-intensity workout on May 25. Turner injured his hamstring while scoring from second base on a passed ball in the Phillies' May 3 game against the Giants. He said the following day that he expected to miss at least six weeks, which would put him in line to return in mid-June. Thomson said it's looking like it will be “close” to that timeline.”
Even if teams believe players could benefit from minor-league games, the collective bargaining agreement affords players a lot more authority. Players must approve any minor-league rehab assignment and are able to dictate a timeline for how long they remain there. The CBA allows a 20-day maximum for position players and 30 days for pitchers. Ostensibly, players could negotiate with teams for less time.
Phillies continue to win in London
The Phillies have won seven of their last eight games to build an eight and a half game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. They appear poised to run away with their first divisional title in over a decade and finally putting everything together in the playoffs.
The team hung on for a 7-2 victory over the Mets in London that was punctuated by a Bryce Harper home run.
As the two-time National League MVP made his way back to the dugout after trotting around the bases, he slid down to his knees with his arms spread wide. It is a sequence fans have seen countless times when a goal is scored in soccer, or as Europeans call it, football.
“I love soccer,” Harper repeatedly exclaimed.
The Phillies and Mets will continue their London series on Sunday morning. Taijuan Walker is scheduled to take the mound for Philadelphia against Jose Quintana.
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