One week away from beginning a seventh consecutive trip to the postseason and what they hope will mark a third straight return to the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to deal with an array of nagging injuries.
The latest is with Justin Turner, who was out of the lineup Wednesday night but expected to return for the series finale at Petco Park. Instead, the Dodgers looked to complete a sweep of the San Diego Padres without Turner being available.
“Yesterday during early batting practice, his back tightened up. Basically just want to make sure he’s fine,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained.
“It’s something that came out of nowhere and we’re managing it. When he’ll be back in there, I’m not sure if it’s tomorrow. Training staff and Justin feel confident he’ll be fine. But with the back feeling a little pain, we just decided to shut him down.
“Not ideal, but in talking to Justin and the training staff, it’s something that shouldn’t be of concern. We just want to make sure the back is in good health.”
Turner recently came back from a sprained left ankle that led to being out of the lineup for 10 consecutive games (nine games completely missed). He went 2-for-8 with a walk in three starts since starting Sept. 21.
Turner’s latest ailment comes on the heels of Corey Seager leaving Wednesday’s game due to left hamstring tightness. The Dodgers deemed his removal precautionary and as expected, Seager returned to the lineup Friday; though Turner remained out.
In addition to Seager and Turner, the Dodgers have gone stretches without Joe Kelly being available as he continues to recover from an unspecified injury. Max Muncy missed just over two weeks because of a right wrist fracture and an additional two games with quad tightness.
Rich Hill is also attempting to work his way into form in time for the postseason by pitching through a strained MCL in his left knee. The mounting injuries could be unsettling, but Roberts is optimistic.
“If the playoffs were to start today, those guys would all be in there,” he said. “I think it’s something that we’re being prudent and making sure these guys are 100% ready physically when the playoffs start.”
