Turner returns from hamstring, wins NL batting title for Phillies

Trea Turner returned to the Philadelphia Phillies lineup for the regular-season finale on Sunday, ending a three-week absence with a strained right hamstring and helping secure his second National League batting title. Manager Rob Thomson said Turner would start at shortstop but would not play a full game, and the team said he was activated off the injured list ahead of the game against the Minnesota Twins.

Turner strained the hamstring on September 7 while legging out a grounder and had been sidelined since. Thomson told reporters, "Yes, he will. Yes. Now, don't get shocked if he comes out early. Trea Turner will play shortstop in Game 162." Turner began the game in the leadoff spot, played five innings and went 0 for 2. That appearance lowered his average from .305 entering the day to .304, which remained the highest mark in the National League for the season and earned him his second batting title; he also won the batting crown in 2021.

The Phillies clinched the NL East earlier and finished the regular season 96-66. A loss to Minnesota on Saturday had secured the Milwaukee Brewers the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the National League, leaving the Phillies locked into...