Trea Turner on facing his former team for first time since trade

Nationals shortstop Trea Turner was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the first round in June, 2014.

This season, in the middle of June, he was the player to be named later as part of a three-team, 11-player trade that finally brought him to the Nationals.

This week, Turner is getting a chance to face the team that selected him with their top pick in 2014. Turner looked over and saw some familiar faces as he worked in a pregame fielding session Tuesday.

"Yeah, it's different just seeing them over there," Turner said. "I went out there fielding ground balls and I got a chance to see (manager) Pat Murphy and I haven't seen him or talk to him since spring training. Greeted me just like he would if I was over there, so it's nice seeing some of those guys and, hopefully, I'll get a chance to see some of the other ones, the players and other coaches that I got to meet and form relationships with."

Turner was caught looking in his first ever major league appearance against his former team Tuesday night. As he looked back at his time with San Diego, he is very thankful for the way they handled an unusual situation. After all, he was pretty much a lame duck for the first two and a half months of the season, just waiting out his time playing for the Double-A San Antonio Missions before being shipped to D.C.

"For sure, they could've very easily put me somewhere else or different level or not even played me," Turner said. "I'm thankful for all that and the way they treated me. The way they continued to coach me. The hitting coach and manager over there let me play every day and worked with me in the cage just like anybody else. I'm very thankful for that. I'm glad it worked out that way."

In-game MASN video has shown starting shortstop Ian Desmond greeting Turner this past weekend during a double switch with a smile and a pat on the backside as he entered the game. Desmond has been very gracious and helpful in Turner's first week with the club, even though many believe the N.C. State star is here to eventually replace him. It could have been an uncomfortable situation, but Desmond has made it clear he just wants to win games.

"You can learn a lot just by watching and watching routines," Turner said. "Getting out there observing just as much as anything. Obviously, you need the repetitions. Any time you have a guy like that who welcomes you and makes you feel comfortable around a new atmosphere, shows you the ropes, is always great."

Turner is still looking for his first big league base hit, now 0-for-5. Could the Nationals put him in the lineup tonight or Thursday night against his former club? It is always possible. Turner would love to start any game, but is just focused now on preparing and getting better each day.

"Oh for sure," Turner said on possibly starting. "Everybody wants to play as much as they can, but this is my situation, make the most of it, when you get your opportunity, try to help out."