The 2018 season has been injury-plagued for Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner, who recently found his way back on the 10-day disabled list due to a groin injury.
It marked a second stint on the DL for Turner, who previously missed the first seven weeks of the regular season while recovering from a fractured left wrist suffered during Spring Training.
Turner has been limited to only two contests since the All-Star Game, appearing in one as a pinch-hitter while last starting on July 21 against the Milwaukee Brewers — a game in which he was removed early with right groin tightness.
Turner has since made strides in his recovery, however, and could be nearing a return to the Dodgers. It was previously reported he wouldn’t require a rehab assignment, and Turner now is on track to be activated off the DL as early as Thursday, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Justin Turner could return from the disabled list as early as Thursday, manager Dave Roberts said on Tuesday after watching Turner go through a hearty workout that included a three-inning simulated game..
Filling the void at third in Turner’s absence has been Manny Machado, who agreed to shift over for the betterment of the club.
That garnered praise from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who pointed out Machado’s selflessness and willingness to help the team in any capacity.
A healthy Turner will further lengthen an already-deep Dodgers lineup, as Machado will transition back to shortstop, Chris Taylor will take on an increased workload in the outfield, and Brian Dozier now slots in at second base.
Turner looks for a fresh start in August after a disappointing showing at the plate in July, to which he posted a .648 on-base plus slugging in 46 plate appearances.
All-in-all this season, Turner is hitting .259/.354/.398 with eight doubles, five home runs and 20 RBI across 192 plate appearances (50 games).
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