There were three iterations of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup on Saturday, with changes twice made due to Justin Turner and Chris Taylor both getting scratched.
Turner was in the initial Dodgers lineup before manager Dave Roberts revealed he would not start for a fourth consecutive game because of a left shin contusion. Gavin Lux was inserted into the lineup at second base, and Hanser Alberto shifted over to third base.
Shortly after, Taylor was scratched from the lineup because of what the Dodgers deemed neck tightness. Taylor was replaced in left field by Trayce Thompson.
“After the ground balls, came in and his neck stiffened up enough so that we felt it was smart to scratch him,” Roberts explained after the Dodgers’ comeback win.
Roberts added Taylor will be out of the Dodgers lineup on Sunday as well.
The 32-year-old missed one month earlier this season because of a fracture in his left foot. Taylor additionally dealt with neck trouble during the second half of the 2021 season.
Entering play Sunday, the Dodgers have just four games remaining on their schedule. The club could easily elect to err on the side of caution in the interest of health and limit Taylor’s playing time this week.
The Dodgers will have five days between ending the regular season and hosting Game 1 of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, October 11.
Despite Taylor having an inconsistent year, he figured to again factor prominently into the Dodgers’ postseason lineups and planing.
Dodgers injuries
While Taylor and Turner both are expected to make recoveries in time for the NLDS, there is a bit more uncertainty with Dustin May and Blake Treinen.
May is scheduled to throw another bullpen session as he tries to overcome lower back trouble, but Treinen has yet to get off a mound and been limited to playing catch because of a right shoulder injury.
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