Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner was named National League Player of the Month in recognition of a strong showing throughout August. It marks the first time in Turner’s career he’s received such an honor, and he’s the first Dodgers player to be recognized this season.
In 25 games (24 starts) during August, Turner batted .402/.491/.722 with 11 doubles, one triple, six home runs and 20 RBI. He produced a 14-game hitting streak during August, batting .464/.531/.786 over that stretch.
Among NL players with at least 50 plate appearances in August, Turner led the league in batting average, on-base percentage, on-base plus slugging (1.213) and doubles. He was tied for the lead in home runs and second in slugging.
Turner’s success at the plate has been instrumental to the Dodgers climbing back up the National League West standings. They won three of four games against the Arizona Diamondbacks and took sole possession of first place in the division through Sunday.
Although the Dodgers enter play on Tuesday a half-game back of the Colorado Rockies for first in the NL West, they undeniably are in a much better position than just over a week ago when they were in third place and 4.5 games behind the Diamondbacks.
In addition to being recognized for his on-field success, Turner was voted as the Dodgers’ nominee for the 2018 Roberto Clemente Award. This is the second consecutive season he’s been up for the prestigious award that honors a player for their charitable efforts.
