What Trea Turner's promotion to Triple-A means for the Nats

It didn't take long for prospect Trea Turner to get to Triple-A. The talented shortstop is expected to join the Syracuse Chiefs today or tomorrow in Indianapolis, more likely today, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Turner spent 10 days with Double-A Harrisburg. But really he spent 68 games at Double-A, where he started the season at Double-A San Antonio. With the Missions, Turner had a 16-game hit streak. Before that he had a 10-game streak.

Turner has had 25 multi-hit games this season. He is batting .327 with 17 doubles, four triples, five homers, 15 stolen bases and 39 RBIs. He has 14 hits in his last 10 games, and is batting .359 during that span.

One reason Turner is heading to Syracuse is that he is ready after showing very well at Double-A. The numbers speak for themselves.

Another reason is the log jam at shortstop with Wilmer Difo, who already had a taste of the majors, residing at Double-A Harrisburg. With Turner at Syracuse, Difo can now focus on game reps at shortstop, his natural position.

Another scenario is the Nationals possibly shopping veteran shortstop Ian Desmond. Unless he signs an extension, Desmond is in his final season of team control. He has had a couple of huge plays the last two games, with a game-winning RBI sacrifice fly two days ago and a two-run shot Thursday. However, Desmond is batting .148 his last 15 games.

Some prognosticators have envisioned Turner joining the Nationals on August 1. The trade deadline is July 31.

Even with Turner at Syracuse, I would be surprised if he jumps to the Nationals this season. He would likely get a September call-up, but I believe president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo would prefer a veteran and experienced player like Desmond for a potential playoff run. After all, it's Ian Desmond we are talking about here.

Bottom line, the fact that Turner has moved to Triple-A in late June in his first full season of minor league play indicates the Nationals hold the 21-year-old in high regard. Now we get to see how his bat will play against heavier competition.