The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated Justin Turner from the 10-day injured list prior to their series opener against the Minnesota Twins. Miguel Vargas was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding move.
Turner was placed on the IL last week due to an abdominal strain, but the stint was backdated to July 30. The 37-year-old’s trouble arose in the Dodgers’ first game after the All-Star break when he was pinch-hit for in the eighth inning against the San Francisco Giants.
Turner wound up missing the next five games before returning to the lineup on July 27, going 1-for-3 with an RBI. The Dodgers then decided to keep him out for the entire series against the Colorado Rockies, but a return was anticipated for the finale game at Oracle Park.
Instead, the Dodgers elected to place Turner on the IL. That was despite the team maintaining confidence he had been recovering from his chest/abdominal injury and manager Dave Roberts stating on multiple occasions a stint on the IL was unlikely.
Turner is batting .257/.332/.405 with 22 doubles, eight home runs and 54 RBI in his ninth season with the Dodgers. He additionally has an 18-game on-base streak.
Miguel Vargas electrified in Dodgers debut
Turner’s absence is presumed to have been a factor in the Dodgers calling up Vargas, but he has now returned to the organization’s top Minor League affiliate. The transaction log showed Vargas was technically optioned to Oklahoma City on Monday.
Vargas made his long-anticipated MLB debut against the Giants last Wednesday and helped lead the club to a 3-0 victory. The 22-year-old batted seventh as the designated hitter and hit an RBI double in his first at-bat to put L.A. up 1-0.
Vargas then stole third base on the first pitch after his double, and explained after the game that he felt no one could stop him.
Vargas went 2-for-8 in two games with the Dodgers. He is batting .291/.382/.497 with 24 doubles, 15 home runs and 72 RBI across 437 plate appearances for OKC this season.
Are you following Dodger Blue on Instagram? It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
