Trea Turner seems rejuvenated, and his manager thinks the reception he got from fans over the weekend absolutely played a role.
Year 1 of the shortstop’s 11-year contract with the Phillies has gotten off to a messy start. He entered last weekend’s series against the Royals hitting .237 and was coming off arguably his worst series of the season.
Philly fans responded not by jeering Turner, but rather supporting him. Fans gave him a rousing ovation during his first at-bat Friday, and periodically throughout the weekend. He responded in a big way, going 4-for-12 against Kansas City – including a memorable, go-ahead homer Saturday.
That kicked off what has been a 7-for-19 run for Turner, and in addition to the homer, he has smacked four doubles. It is the type of production the Phillies long have been hoping to get from Turner, and manager Rob Thomson responded to the gesture Wednesday on The 94 WIP Morning Show.
“Well, I listen to this radio station on the way into work every day, so I knew that there was some buzz about it," Thomson said. "Wasn’t sure whether it was going to happen or not, because I think that there was some talk about it that last homestand, as well. So, I wasn't really sure what was going to happen, but when it happened, it was just kind of this surreal moment. I don’t think just for me, but I think the entire club, because this team is a high-character group and they care about each other, they care about winning.
"When they see one of their teammates struggling or getting booed, they wear it. When that ovation happened I think it just gave everybody -- including Trea, obviously -- but everybody energy and made everybody feel great. And he’s responded, I think since that moment he’s 7-for-19 or something like that with six RBIs, he’s swung the bat a lot better."
Turner clearly was appreciative of the response from fans, going as far as thanking the city on billboards this week. Whether this leads to some sustained success for Turner remains to be seen, but for now, Thomson is certain it made a difference.
“I do (think it helped) too, I really do,” Thomson said. “Nobody likes to get booed, obviously, but you have to be able to deal with it. But when you get cheered, boy does it give you energy.”
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