Washington Nationals: Keeping Trea Turner healthy is a challenge
By Tim Boyle
One of the toughest challenges for the Washington Nationals in 2018 is keeping their shortstop on the field. How do they prevent Trea Turner from hitting the disabled list over the 162-game season?
Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner plays baseball like every game matters. He hustles on every play, whether it’s on offense or defense. This style of play will win over fans, but will also take its toll on his body. Because of this, keeping him healthy is a challenge for the Nationals.
Bryce Harper played baseball like this early on in his career. Eventually, he settled down a bit and realized how much more important it is to stay on the field than it is to save Gio Gonzalez from giving up a double.
Turner hasn’t toned it back yet. There’s a good chance he never does. There’s also no reason he should.
Keeping Trea Turner Healthy in 2018
Many of Turner’s injuries thus far have been fluky. Sliding into second base and breaking a bone can happen to even the slowest of base runners. Since Turner does tend to steal more than 99% of the league, the chance of an injury is far more significant.
Turner can try to slide feet first a little more often. Untraining the headfirst slide would take time. It’s a big favor to ask. My guess is it doesn’t happen.
There are other ways to keep Turner healthy. The Washington Nationals need to make wise decisions with his playing time. Keeping him fresh will at least limit a few ailments. Unfortunately, this means taking his bat and legs out of the lineup.
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The Nationals have a luxury in 2018 that many teams don’t. They have depth. Behind Turner, on the depth chart, they have Wilmer Difo ready to step into action when called upon. Based on last year’s performance, the Nationals should feel confident with the cavalry.
We should see the Nationals rotate many players in and out of the lineup throughout the season. First baseman Ryan Zimmerman could sit once a week in favor of Matt Adams. Howie Kendrick should play all over the field as well, logging games at second base, third base, and left field.
Of course, the Nationals can’t go the whole year with eight players platooning nor should they.
In Turner’s case, the manager Dave Martinez needs to accept that his star shortstop won’t start 162 games this year. A disabled list stint may be inevitable for Turner, but keeping it to once per year is a goal.
Next: Did the Nationals choose Montero over Arrieta?
Injuries hurt the Washington Nationals throughout the 2017 season. Though it didn’t prevent them from running away from the division, they can only press their luck so much.