Turner Wins NL Batting Title; Phillies Host NLDS

Trea Turner won the National League batting title with roughly a .304-.305 average, becoming the first Phillies batting champion since Richie Ashburn in 1958. He was activated off the injured list after a strained right hamstring and started Game 162 as Philadelphia’s leadoff shortstop to get reps ahead of the postseason. The Phillies finished the regular season 96-66, clinched the NL East and the No. 2 seed, and will host Game 1 of the NL Division Series on Saturday. Kyle Schwarber led the National League with 56 home runs and 132 RBIs and is eligible for free agency, giving the club significant middle-of-the-order power. Turner’s title was the lowest mark for an NL batting champion and he was the only qualified .300 hitter in the league; his 36 steals and team-leading WAR mean his health remains a key factor for the Phillies’ postseason outlook. Corresponding roster moves included optioning Max Lazar to the FCL Phillies.