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WASHINGTON (AP) — Nationals shortstop Trea Turner will be out indefinitely after breaking his right index finger while trying to bunt.
Standing at the plate in the first inning Tuesday night against Philadelphia, Turner squared to bunt versus Zach Elfin. The fastball hit the finger on his right hand, which was wrapped around the bat.
The injury was determined to be a nondisplaced fracture. There was no timetable for his return.
"I guess as time goes on, the better we'll know," Turner said.
"It's a big loss. He's our starting shortstop," manager Dave Martinez said. "But we've got to keep playing."
Wilmer Difo replaced Turner and will assume the role of starter for the time being.
"He's here for a reason," Martinez said of Difo, who went 1 for 3 after entering in the first inning.
Martinez expressed hope of getting a backup from the minors before Wednesday afternoon's game against the Phillies.
Turner was batting .385 and coming off a game against the Mets in which he hit two home runs, including a game-ending solo shot.
"Not fun," Turner said. "I couldn't move it, so I knew something was wrong."
Turner said the pitch was coming high and inside, and he had no chance to get out of the way.
"I don't expect somebody to throw at my head," Turner said.
Martinez said: "The ball was in. He just couldn't get out of the way. He just kept running in on him."
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