Rob Thomson hints at Phillies leadoff hitter for the 2023 season
Phillies manager Rob Thomson met with the media yesterday after the team’s first official day of Spring Training in Clearwater, Florida.
Obviously, the question on who will bat leadoff in 2023 was asked and Thomson addressed it head-on, stating that Trea Turner will “probably” hit leadoff.
Rob Thomson: Trea Turner will ‘probably’ hit leadoff
“Before Harp gets back, I think we’re going to probably have him (Turner) in the leadoff spot. High on-base, high slug…we need that. That gives you more of a chance to put somebody on base for Schwarber, Hoskins, Realmuto.” – Rob Thomson
Kyle Schwarber has always thrived in the leadoff spot, but now with a guy like Turner on the team, who consistently gets on base, Schwarber is going to be better off in the three or 4-hole. Trea Turner holds a .355 OBP, and in addition to his speed, he’s the perfect leadoff hitter to have in front of the big sluggers of this Phillies team.
The lineup will obviously have to change once Bryce Harper comes back around July. Still, for the beginning of the season, this is the best possibility and a lineup that seems very realistic after Thomson’s comments.
Projected Phillies Starting Lineup on Opening Day
- Trea Turner
- Kyle Schwarber
- JT Realmuto
- Nick Castellanos
- Alec Bohm
- Rhys Hoskins
- DH
- Bryson Stott
- Brandon Marsh
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