Washington Nationals: Meet Matt Harvey and the Mets

TREA TURNER

The work Trea Turner is doing with the coaching staff shows in spades.

Whether Dave Martinez and Kevin Long have him hitting second or sixth, the growth in Turner’s game is tangible. Over six games, he has six walks. Alone, that is huge. Yes, there are four strikeouts mixed in, but his ability to recognize and lay off pitches gives his game a new element.

Eventually, Turner will lead off. Whether it is this year or next, his mix of power, speed and run scoring will land him the job. He has three steals on the ledger now and an on-base percentage of .414 over 2017s .338.

The move to hit him lower in the lineup by Martinez took the pressure off the shortstop. Turner pressed last year and struggled before having his wrist shattered by a pitch. From his approach to his new ability to recognize and wait for the right pitch, the change is a smashing success.

Without Noah Syndergaard missing the series for New York—he pitched Wednesday—Turner will see a variety of pitchers who he should have success with.

The Mets have Turner’s number. In 22 career games, his slash line in .220/.253/.330 with eight stolen bases.