Apr 2, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner (7) is tended to by the trainer and manager Dave Martinez (4) after injuring his finger against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner suffered a non-displaced broken right index finger while he was hit attempting to bunt in the first inning of Tuesday night’s loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Manager Dave Martinez said there is no timetable for Turner’s return.
“It’s a big loss,” Martinez said. “He’s our starting shortstop, but we’ve got to keep going. (Wilmer) Difo’s going to get an opportunity to play, and he’s here for a reason.”
Turner tried to bunt on a 92 mph fastball from Phillies righty Zach Eflin, on an 0-1 count with the bases empty and one out. He was hit on the finger and fell to the ground in pain. The play was ruled a foul ball.
“Not fun, but it is what it is,” Turner said of the injury.
Turner, 25, was off to a 5-for-13 start with two home runs and four stolen bases. He was replaced by Difo, who went 1-for-3 with a strikeout.
Turner missed two months in 2017 after breaking his wrist when he was hit by a pitch.
In addition, first baseman Matt Adams (back spasms) is day-to-day after going over the railing attempting to make a catch in the first inning. Ryan Zimmerman pinch hit for Adams in the fourth inning.
