The Los Angeles Dodgers took the rubber match of the Freeway Series to finish with a winning record on their homestand but suffered yet another injury along the way as Justin Turner was removed early due to left groin discomfort.
“He’s doing OK. I think right now it’s day-to-day,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the win. Turner immediately began treatment upon being pinch-hit for by Albert Pujols, who slugged a two-run home run.
Turner sustained the injury when making a play to his right in the top of the second inning. Turner’s momentum on a chopper carried him into foul territory as he made a strong throw to first base for the out.
Roberts and a Dodgers trainer went to the dugout steps to ask Turner about his health, and he initially remained in the game. However, Turner was seen limping in the dugout and going to the clubhouse between innings.
He then spoke with Roberts, who appeared to do some convincing in order to remove his All-Star third baseman from the game. “I don’t want to put a timetable on it, but he’ll be down for a few days and then we’ll sort of re-evaluate,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers are off Monday and will then begin a six-game road trip for series with the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. L.A. faces a Phillies team that has surged to the top of the National League East standings behind an eight-game winning streak.
Philadelphia will have Aaron Nola on the mound, and Max Scherzer is scheduled to make his second start with the Dodgers.
Given Roberts’ initial estimate, Turner may not be back in the lineup until Tuesday at the earliest. That could create an opportunity at third base for Chris Taylor, or potentially Matt Beaty if Mookie Betts is unable to play outfield.
Turner thus far has been among the few Dodgers regulars who is yet to spend time on the injured list this season.
Turner spotted problem with Graterol
In addition to his importance on the field, Turner has been a key leader in the clubhouse. One of the latest examples was in noticing an adjustment Brusdar Graterol could make with slowing down his delivery.
“He’s just been so quick to the plate, and Justin is such a student of the game, he noticed how quick Brusdar is,” Roberts revealed. “Just feeling that if he can slow down, it might make it even harder on hitters.
“It’s kind of counterintuitive, but with a slower delivery it gives him a better chance to get hitters out. Then you take the pitching guys to use that information and dig in on the delivery, so it’s been kind of a tag team.”
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