While the Los Angeles Dodgers have managed to succeed without Justin Turner, they certainly would welcome the return of one of baseball’s best hitters. Turner suffered a right hamstring strain and has been on the disabled list since May 19.
He and the Dodgers hoped not much more time would be missed than the minimum 10 days. Turner was encouraged by the MRI results — a Grade 1 strain — and was said to be progressing well. Turner will go on a rehab assignment prior to coming off the disabled list
According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that will begin after the series with the Washington Nationals:
Roberts said third baseman Justin Turner’s rehab assignment for a strained right hamstring will start later in the week.
Turner ran the bases and was a full participant in batting practice during the weekend series at Miller Park. For a player looking to return from a hamstring injury, running curves is typically the final hurdle to be cleared before beginning a rehab assignment.
Turner is batting .379/.453/.493 with 13 doubles, one home run, 17 RBI, a .414 wOBA and 160 wRC+ in 39 games this season. He led the National League in batting average the time of landing on the disabled list.
Because of games missed, Turner at present time does not have enough plate appearances to qualify as a leader in offensive categories.