We are back once again with the 97.3 ESPN Phillies Mailbag. Each week we take your questions and discuss them on The Sports Bash with Mike Gill. Tune in each Tuesday afternoon to hear your questions answered on the air.
Would Trea Turner still qualify for the NL batting title if he doesn’t play another game this regular season?
~Matt
The Phillies watched in fear on Sunday as Trea Turner pulled up to first base and immediately turned toward the dugout. Having had a hamstring injury already, Turner knew exactly what it was and was going to take no chances. The good news is that it is a Grade 1 strain and Turner will be ready for the playoffs, if not sooner.
I think “sooner” would be good so that he can get back into the rhythm of playing ahead of the steep competition.
Turner current leads the National League with a .305 batting average. Sal Frelick is second at .297 and Freddie Freeman at .295.
Should Turner not play again this season, he will indeed win the batting title, provided that Frelick and Freeman do not surge and catch him.
The formula used is 3.1 plate appearances per game over the 162-game season (or other, should the season be shortened for whatever reason, such as the 60-game COVID-19 season in 2020).
That math comes to 502.2 plate appearances necessary for a full 162-game season.
Turner currently sits at 637. He is in good shape. It helps that he bats at the top of the lineup.
But of course, the more important question is whether the Phillies can not just win the National League East but secure a bye for round one of the playoffs. The magic number to clinch the East and a playoff spot is 11, as the Mets are the team to watch in both categories.
The San Francisco Giants are three games behind the Mets and making a last-minute run.
What’s up with Justin Crawford? He hasn’t been in lineup. Is he hurt? If he does eventually get a call, how does he fit in with Harrison Bader and Brandon Marsh?
~ZippyDaPizzaDog
Unfortunately, top Phillies outfield prospect Justin Crawford is indeed on the 7-day injured list with a concussion. On September 4, Crawford, playing left field, collided with third baseman Otto Kemp. The result was a concussion.
However, I think with the play of the combo of Brandon Marsh, Harrison Bader, and Max Kepler, there is simply no room to throw Crawford into the mix right now. All three continue to take the offensive and defensive lead for the Phillies.
And let us not forget about Nick Castellanos. Castellanos is currently relegated to the bench except when facing left-handed pitchers. Castellanos did get a start last night as Marsh was ill with the flu, but he remains on the roster.
So I think that the outfield is a little crowded right now. I did not even mention Weston Wilson, who is hitting just .154 in his last seven games.
I could argue Crawford’s speed might be better on the bench than Wilson should the club need a dedicated pinch runner. But of course, the Phillies could use Johan Rojas for that if they really wanted to.
So between the concussion and full outfield, I do not think we will see Crawford until Spring Training. I do think he has a chance at a starting job, however.
Would you consider calling up Aiden Miller to replace Trea Turner?
~Michael
The Phillies have indicated that they did not consider calling up top infield prospect Aiden Miller for the duration of Trea Turner’s injured list stay. Though they say that, I’m sure the thought at least crossed their minds. For me, there is a scenario that I would call upon Miller.
The good news yesterday was that Turner is expected back with the Phillies for the playoffs, if not sooner.
Had that not been the case, I would have carefully considered one question: How is Miller’s glove at third base?
Miller could bring the Phillies a good glove and speed. And, it would allow the successful platoon of Edmundo Sosa and Bryson Stott to continue.
To me, whether or not Miller’s bat is ready for the major leagues would not be a consideration. He would be there to provide defense and bat ninth, should the Phillies summon Miller early.
I would do that because he would be the most talented middle infielder in the system.
But it looks like Turner is set to return and the Phillies need not go that way. Of their remaining 18 games, six are against current playoff contenders. Therefore, I do not think the Phillies need to overthink this and promote Miller sooner than they have to.