Justin Turner was held out of the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for their series against the Philadelphia Phillies due to left groin discomfort and remains day-to-day after also missing Friday’s game.
The two-time All-Star was originally expected to return to the lineup against the New York Mets, but now the target remains some sort of return in the remaining two games at Citi Field as he continues to receive treatment.
“I think I’m in a good spot,” Turner said. “I don’t think the injured list is going to happen unless something gets significantly worse in the next day or two, but I still have to go through my progressions and make sure I check off all the boxes before they’re going to let me start a game.”
Turner first felt the discomfort on Aug. 8 in the series finale against the L.A. Angels and he was promptly removed from the game.
“I think we did a pretty good job of catching it right away and Doc taking me out and not letting me aggravate it any further,” Turner said. “I feel like I’m progressing well and still day-to-day.”
He remained hopeful of a return to the lineup sometime against the Mets, which should come Sunday.
“Yeah, I think there’s a chance for that. But obviously I still have to go through the progressions, pass the tests and make sure everything checks out alright,” Turner said. “Obviously I’m itching to get back and help the team in whatever way I can, whether it’s pinch-hitting or being back in the lineup.”
Over the last few days, Turner has kept active and participated in baseball activities, which included taking part in all aspects of batting practice on Friday.
“Take some more ground balls and do some stuff with Brandon McDaniel laterally to see where I’m at,” Turner added.
Like Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated, Turner made a pinch-hit appearance on Saturday. Somewhat unexpectedly, he also played two outs on defense as well.
Turner enjoys facing Mets
If Turner is able to return to the lineup against the Mets, he would be facing his former team that released him in 2013, which could provide some extra motivation.
“I don’t think it ever goes away,” Turner said. “I think you still want to go out, perform well and try to prove that they made a mistake by letting you go.”
Turner also said it’s always nice to return to Citi Field and seeing the people he made relationships with during his time with the Mets.
“I spent three or four years in this organization, and running into people around the stadium that I got to know over those years and getting a chance to catch up is always nice,” he said.
“But at the end of the end day we’re here to win baseball games.”
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