Fansided

5 rookies who could impact the MLB playoff race

By Joshua Sadlock

Jun 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) looses his helmet on the way to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) looses his helmet on the way to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 22, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Trea Turner (7) scores on second baseman Daniel Murphy (not pictured) single in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Trea Turner (7) scores on second baseman Daniel Murphy (not pictured) single in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Trea Turner, 2B/CF
Washington Nationals

Had Turner been tabbed by the Nationals to start the season with the big club, their lead in the watered-down NL East could be even bigger. The biggest asset Turner brings to the Nats is his speed. He gets down the line in under 3.4 seconds and already has 14 steals in only 35 games this year.

Turner’s presence will challenge Dusty Baker to embrace and trust a rookie in key spots in the playoffs, something he has shied away from in the past. Turner’s athleticism allowed him to quickly pick up the center-field position, and his versatility allows Baker to keep Ryan Zimmerman and Ben Revere in the lineup. Though he will have played in less than half of his team’s regular season games, this speedy, future All-Star has the poise to be a spark plug for Washington in the postseason.

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