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Washington Nationals: 5 To Watch Against Arizona

By Chris Lacey

Apr 26, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) celebrates scoring a run with left fielder Jayson Werth (28) and catcher Jose Lobaton (59) in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) celebrates scoring a run with left fielder Jayson Werth (28) and catcher Jose Lobaton (59) in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner (7) throws to first against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner (7) throws to first against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Trea Turner

Turner is one of the most exciting players to watch in MLB due to his ability to fly around the bases. The speed he possesses is a tremendous asset, and it creates nightmares for opposing teams.

The young shortstop has swiped four bases without being caught and I expect him to be running more as the season progresses. This is something the Nats will need to see more from him, given the heart-breaking injury suffered to Eaton.

Eaton and Turner each ignited the top of the lineup and created a plethora of scoring opportunities for the club. Since Eaton is out for the season, it will be Turner’s responsibility to ensure the team has that spark at the top of the batting order.

Turner has started the first month off with a bang as he’s proven to be a difficult matchup for opposing pitchers.

The supremely talented player is hitting .317, and his OPS is .904 in 15 games with 10 extra-base hits, 13 RBI, and 15 runs scored. He also hit for the cycle during the last road trip against the Rockies.

The one area where Turner has done a good job is with runners in scoring position as indicated by his .267 average and .846 OPS in this situation.

In a small sample, Turner has excelled in seven games against the Diamondbacks. He has accumulated a .313 batting average and .833 OPS with six RBI, one home run and five runs scored.

Turner was expected to play a crucial role for the Nats before the season started. Now, with Eaton gone, his role will intensify.

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