(Brendan Baldwin/Phillies Nation)
The Phillies have no plans of moving Trea Turner off shortstop, according to interim manager Don Mattingly. There was “zero” thought of moving Turner to outfield when thinking about the club’s new defensive alignment.
“We didn’t talk about it,” Mattingly said. “We didn’t discuss moving him (to the outfield), so there’s no reason to talk to him.”
Turner has struggled with his glove this season. He’s second in the majors with 18 errors. Advanced metrics grade him as well below average in the field; he has -8 outs above average and -14 defensive runs saved. He was much better last year, grading out as one of the best defenders in baseball. Turner had 17 outs above average in 2025 with two defensive runs saved and eight errors.
Mattingly fielded questions regarding Turner’s defensive position because of how the Phillies will realign their defense moving forward. The club acquired Luis Arraez from the Giants on Monday. Arraez, who is expected to report to the team on Tuesday, will play second base. That decision will begin a shuffling of positions for multiple players.
With Arraez at second, Bryson Stott is going to move to third base, Mattingly said. Alec Bohm will move to first base. Bryce Harper will be moving back to right field for the first time since injuring his right elbow in 2022. All three players are at their usual positions for Monday’s game against the Nationals at Citizens Bank Park with Turner playing shortstop and leading off.
The Phillies defense has been one of their weakest points this season. Turner has been a large part of that. And that’ll likely continue with him staying at short.
— Destiny Lugardo contributed to this story.
