Turner returns to Nationals' lineup after 6-week injury absence

Star shortstop Trea Turner is back in the Washington Nationals' lineup for Friday's game against the Chicago Cubs after being activated from the 10-day injured list, the team announced.

Turner suffered a fractured right index finger in his fourth game of the season when he was hit by a pitch on a bunt attempt. The 25-year-old missed six weeks as a result of the injury. He was off to a blazing start in 2019 before going down, slashing .357/.400/.460 with two home runs and five steals.

His return is a huge boost for a Washington club that saw its shortstops compile a .627 OPS - fifth worst in the majors - in his absence, according to Eddie Matz of ESPN. They've also accounted for minus-29 runs saved, second worst in the National League.

Washington made a flurry of other moves Friday as right-hander Kyle McGowin was called up from Triple-A Fresno, infielder Wilmer Difo was optioned down, and right-hander Anibal Sanchez was placed on the 10-day IL with a left hamstring strain.

The Nationals (18-25) currently own the second-worst record in the Senior Circuit after coming into the season as one of the favorites to win the NL East.