Nationals Call Up SS Prospect Turner; Moore On DL

The Nationals acquired Turner in the three-team deal that sent Steven Sousa to the Tampa Bay Rays. Additionally, right-hander Aaron Barrett was transferred to the 60-day disabled list with a right elbow sprain.

The Washington Nationals selected the contract of shortstop Trea Turner from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday and placed first baseman/outfielder Tyler Moore on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Wednesday, with a left ankle sprain. It’s impressive given his age, how rare it is that you find Turner swinging at bad pitches, making mistakes on the bases or making a mental error in the field.

Ranked the No. 9 [Baseball America] and No. 12 [MLB.com] best prospect in all of baseball, Turner arrives in the Major Leagues having hit. He began the season with Double-A San Antonio in the Padres’ organization before joining the Nationals in June. After going hitless in his first five games with the Chiefs, Turner adjusted. He posted a. 385 on-base percentage, a. 471 slugging percentage and an. However, twice this week the Nationals had Turner play second base at Triple-A, suggesting he could instead take the spot of Danny Espinosa. 740 OPS, respectively. Turner would also likely be a defensive upgrade at shortstop over Desmond, who has 23 errors this season.

Earlier this week, we talked with Victor Barbosa of 27 Outs Baseball about what has impressed him about Trea Turner during our midseason Syracuse Chiefs update.

Whether or not he starts, Turner will see action over the next two weeks as one of four players on a short Nationals bench.

“Two things stand out to me about the 22-year-old – his baseball IQ and maturity, along with his speed on the base paths”. Rizzo has shown a willingness to fill needs from within, rather than with short-term veteran fixes.