Justin Turner joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on their seven-game road trip but remained on the 10-day disabled list. There was an early hope the third baseman would return for the series with the Milwaukee Brewers.
While that didn’t manifest, Turner is closing in on a return. He began a rehab assignment with High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Monday night, starting at third base and playing the expected five innings. Turner went 1-for-3 with an RBI against the Modesto Nuts (Seattle Mariners affiliate).
He was robbed of a base hit by Logan Taylor’s diving catch to snag a line drive hit to third base. Next for Turner is a scheduled simulated game at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts anticipates it will allow him to get 10 to 12 at-bats. Assuming Turner’s recovery continues to progress without any setbacks, he may return at some point during the weekend series with the Cincinnati Reds.
Turner has been out with the Grade 1 right hamstring strain since May 19. He’s hitting .379/.453/.493 with 13 doubles, one home run, 17 RBI, a .414 wOBA and 160 wRC+ in 39 games this season.
Turner led the National League in batting average the time of being placed on the disabled list. He’s remained on the peripheral in All-Star Game voting, placing third in voting among players at his position in both updates. The latest of which was released Monday morning.
