Trea Turner hasn’t looked like the Trea Turner we all know and love for much of this MLB season. And Wednesday, as the Philadelphia Phillies continued to try and solidify a playoff spot, might have been the tipping point for the former All-Star shortstop.
Turner not only went 0-5 at the plate in a 9-8 loss against the Miami Marlins, but he also made a pivotal error trying to field a routine grounder from Josh Bell in extra innings. Turner’s error directly led to two runs — two runs that gave the Marlins the win. Miami is now just one loss behind the Phillies in the NL Wild Card standings.
After the game, Turner didn’t mince words. He faced the music and called himself out with brutal honesty:
"Obviously I'm the reason why we lost that game."
A brutally honest Trea Turner after an all-around tough night. pic.twitter.com/7qAXyQ6Jw2
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) August 3, 2023
It’d be one thing if Turner lashed out, blaming others for his ongoing struggles. But he’s a professional, and while it definitely isn’t easy, professionals take responsibility for their shortcomings. Turner’s not deflecting. He’s courageously owning it, which takes a lot of nerve.