The Philadelphia Phillies have had a great start to a season since the mid-1990s, accumulating the best record most wins in all of MLB.
But the team suffered a significant setback when Trea Turner, the main shortstop, sustained a hamstring injury that might keep him off the field for six weeks or more. In response to the injury, three-time All-Star Whit Merrifield offered to step in at a position he has never seen in nine seasons in the major leagues.
“After hearing that Turner was feeling discouraged, Merrifield texted (manager Rob) Thompson and expressed his willingness to practice at shortstop — a position he has not played since college — in order to provide the Phillies with another option,” according to the report by Matt Gelb for The Athletic.
Whit Merrifield Is Looking for an Opportunity to Prove Value to the Philadelphia Phillies
After signing an one-year, $8 million contract to join the Phillies as a versatile bench player, Merrifield has struggled at the plate with a .246/.295/.386 batting line and two home runs in 57 at bats so far. These numbers are much lower than his performance during his three All-Star seasons in 2019, 2021 and 2023.
However, Merrifield has also started games in various positions, including right field, left field, second base, third base, and as a designated hitter.
The team might still consider trying him at shortstop. But immediately after Turner’s injury, Edmundo Sosa was placed at shortstop, with Merrifield covering second base in a single game where Bryson Stott replaced Turner.
“Filling in at shortstop is one thing,” Gelb added. “Finding the right right-handed hitter to place between Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper is another challenge.”
Thompson moved J.T. Realmuto to Turner’s batting order spot, but the team will surely miss the shortstop’s batting skills, as he has slashing .343/.392/.460 with nine RBI and 10 steals in 137 at bats so far.
“Replacing Turner is impossible,” as Gelb described it. “He is the most dynamic player on the roster. The Phillies lose a stolen-base threat at the top of the order.”
Whit Merrifield Is Looking for Everyday Playing Time With the Philadelphia Phillies
Though it might be impossible to replace Turner, Merrifield seems determined to make up for it in any way possible — the role he was expected to take on when he joined the team this season.
“I’ve always felt my abilities shine when I play every day and can showcase the different things I can do,” he said before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, as reported by Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “I’m not the type of player who will hit a home run when pinch hitting and stun everyone. I have to contribute in other ways.”
Following that statement, Merrifield batted in Turner’s spot in the lineup, getting one hit and one strikeout in five at bats. As Turner continues to be absent from the lineup, Merrifield may have more opportunities to demonstrate his value to the Phillies.
“I wanted to initially be the 10th man but strive to have the best 10-man squad in baseball,” he stated, as reported by Lauber. “I have been a solid player in this league for a long time, and I still believe I am a good player… I can still perform at a high level.”
