What has been a really crazy 14-plus months of professional baseball, just became worth it for 22-year-old shortstop Trea Turner. Why? Because the former North Carolina State star was called up by the Washington Nationals this afternoon.
Turner, who has suited up for two organizations and five teams in his career thus far, was selected by the San Diego Padres with the 13th overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft before being sent to the nation's capital in a three team deal last offseason. The blockbuster deal also involving the Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals was a huge shock to general managers around the league since MLB rule 3(b)(6) stated that a drafted player cannot be assigned or traded to another team until one year after he signs his first contract.
"Can you translate to English please?"
Even though Turner's rights would belong to the Nationals, he would have to play in Padres organization until mid-June. The occurrence was unprecedented, yet that did not stop the 2014 Baseball America All-American from punishing Texas League (Double-A) pitching by hitting .322 with 5 home runs, 13 doubles, 35 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 58 games. As a matter of fact, when Turner joined his rightful organization, he only needed 10 games with Harrisburg (Double-A) to earn a promotion. Turned out, only 48 more games would pass prior to his Big League dream coming true.
Despite MLB.com's 12th prospect starting off his Triple-A stint without a base knock in his first 17 at bats, Turner will walk into Nationals Park this evening batting .345 with 3 round-trippers and 14 stolen bases in his last 171 ABs. So watch out Major League Baseball! Because "Trea's Time" is now and it will not take him 17 plate appearances to collect his first hit at this level.