This isn’t what you expect from sports fans in Philadelphia.
Momentum is growing on social media for the Phillies faithful to show an uncharacteristic act of kindness in the form of a standing ovation.
The target of this campaign is shortstop Trea Turner, who hasn’t lived up to his 11-year, $300 million contract.
The two-time All-Star was dropped to eighth in the lineup for Thursday’s game vs. the Miami Marlins and promptly went 0-for-3 in the 4-2 Phillies win, leaving him with an unsightly .235 batting average.
That came one day after butchering a ball in the field that might have cost the Phillies an extra-innings win.
With two outs on the bottom of the eleventh inning during Wednesday’s game against the Marlins, Turner flubbed what should’ve been a routine ground ball from newly-acquired Marlins first baseman Josh Bell that slipped into the outfield for a single, tying the game at 8.
Shortstop Trea Turner is failing to live up to expectations after signing an 11-year, $300 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. APMiami won the game just one inning later on a bloop single from outfielder Jesus Sanchez.
After Wednesday’s error, Phillies fans turned to X, formerly known as Twitter, to voice their support for the struggling Turner, encouraging everyone at Citizens Bank Park on Friday to give Turner a standing ovation before each of his at-bats.
Turner and the Phillies open a 10-game homestand Friday, beginning with a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals.
Phillies shortstop Trea Turner was a two-time All-Star before signing with Philadelphia. Getty ImagesThe Phillies will take the field in second place in the National League East, 11.5 games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves — 8.5 games ahead of the rival Mets.
Philadelphia currently occupies the second National League wild card, and Phillies fans know their club isn’t going anywhere in the postseason if Turner can’t turn things around and get back on track.
