The Los Angeles Dodgers had their four-game winning streak snapped in Thursday’s loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, and although Justin Turner was initially projected to potentially return for the series opener against the New York Mets, that no longer is the case.
“I think the conversation will be Saturday, and where he’s at and in what capacity,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. Turner also was not an option to pinch-hit for Billy McKinney with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning of a 2-1 loss at Citizens Bank Park.
“Justin was unavailable this series,” Roberts reiterated.
Turner has yet to play since being removed in the bottom of the second inning of last Sunday’s game due to left groin discomfort. He sustained the injury when making a play on a ball hit to his right in the top of the second.
Turner’s momentum 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 into 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 at the time.
Turner is hitting .288/.346/.576 with eight home runs and 20 RBI over 130 career plate appearances against the Mets.
In his absence the Dodgers have played Max Muncy and Chris Taylor at third base. Zach McKinstry is with the team on the taxi squad, though Roberts suggested that was independent of Turner’s status.
Turner supports Kershaw’s Challenge
Last weekend Clayton and Ellen Kershaw hosted the eighth annual Kershaw’s Challenge Back to School Bash at The Dream Center, where 2,500 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to local children.
Like in years past, Turner was among those on hand to support his teammate’s effort. “I think the exciting part of the kids is knowing that they’re going to get to back to in-person learning again,” he told DodgerBlue.com.
“Get back in the classroom, get back to hanging out with their friends. To be able to be here, support Clayton and Ellen, Kershaw’s Challenge, and pass out these backpacks is amazing. You see the excitement, and it’s really cool this year with all the different colored backpacks.
“Kids get to choose, and that’s really cool, too.”
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