Dodgers get great update on Justin Turner
Justin Turner is expected back this week.
The Los Angeles Dodgers begin a crucial three-game series against the San Diego Padres on Monday. The Dodgers entered the day with the most wins in baseball, followed by the Padres, who are only 2.5 games back in the division.
The Dodgers need a full squad as the postseason nears and have been without veteran third baseman Justin Turner since Aug. 28. He was on the injured list with a hamstring injury and the team is reportedly getting him back soon.
Dave Roberts said the hope is to activate Justin Turner Tuesday and start him at DH
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) September 14, 2020
Justin Turner nearing a return
This is great news for an already stacked Dodgers lineup. The goal now is to hold off the Padres, and Turner returns with his .282 batting average and .384 on-base percentage in 32 games this season.
This is also great news for Turner personally because this may be his final year with the Dodgers. The veteran is a free agent following the season and it will be hard to pay him anywhere near the $16 million annual value he had on his previous deal. Mookie Betts’ arrival and the potential pursuit of players like Kris Bryant or Francisco Lindor pushes Turner back on the list of priorities.
That doesn’t mean Turner can’t return, but he would have to do so on a much cheaper deal.
Having the designated hitter spot in the National League this year will work out great for the Dodgers. Turner can be eased back into action as the DH and that role could return to the NL permanently rather soon.
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Turner has been with the Dodgers since 2014 and has appeared in 54 postseason games with the team. Having him back in general helps the entire Dodgers clubhouse. Getting a veteran with a career .310 postseason batting average back in the lineup of the best team in baseball is quite the coup for the Dodgers.