It was just over one week ago that Justin Turner set a Los Angeles Dodgers record and tied the overall franchise mark with getting hit by a pitch in four consecutive games. He shook those off but then was the victim of south-inflicted damage on a foul ball.
Turner initially remained in the game against the Cincinnati Reds before swelling in his left shin forced him to an early exit. Turner was out of the lineup the following day but logged a pinch-hit appearance.
He insisted on returning for the series finale, and has started four consecutive games entering play Saturday. Though, he was removed after playing six innings of what was a 10-2 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained it was a means of getting Turner rest and indicated he would not be in the lineup Saturday in response to the recent stretch, via SportsNet LA:
“I think with J.T., just going back 10 days ago, I think with the ball off the shin and the hard dirt in Tampa, his body has taken a little beating. So to get him off his feet was a good thing and I’ll probably have him down tomorrow to get ready for the day game.”
Turner went 1-for-3 with a run scored prior to coming out of Friday’s series opener at PNC Park. Although he’s taken a bit of a physical beating of late, Turner and the Dodgers as a whole have benefited from four off days during the past two weeks.
Turner has been hit by a pitch seven times this season, which is tied for third among all players. He ranks third in Dodgers franchise history with 65, trailing Zack Wheat (73) and Jackie Robinson (72).
Turner is among multiple position players Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has made an earnest effort to balance keeping him in the lineup and providing ample rest throughout the long course of a season.
Nevertheless, the 34-year-old has appeared in at least 103 games during each of Roberts’ three seasons as manager thus far, and in Turner’s first five years with the Dodgers. He missed the first six weeks last season while recovering from a fractured left wrist suffered late in Spring Training.
