The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Trea Turner and placed Victor Gonzalez on the 10-day injured list due to right knee inflammation prior to the opener of the Freeway Series. Turner is now available off the bench and expected to be in the lineup at second base on Saturday.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and manager Dave Roberts were reluctant to outline where Turner may play until getting a chance to speak with him in person. Although the trade with the Washington Nationals was finalized last week, Turner didn’t arrive in L.A. until Friday because of being in MLB’s protocol after testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
“It was No. 1, welcoming him. I got a chance to talk to him and Andrew got a chance to talk to him. Saw some of his teammates, some coaches,” Roberts said of the conversation with Turner.
“Basically just asking him his preference on the defensive side, knowing that obviously we view him as a premier shortstop and superstar player in the game, but we value Corey at shortstop. Trea’s potential versatility with his athleticism allows for some different things, so his preference and thought was to stay on the dirt, which made complete sense to me.
“Now you’re talking about the batting order, and it’s talking to some guys, figuring out where they’re comfortable. I want to make sure Trea is comfortable. This is something different for him as far as the trade, and getting him comfortable is really important for him and the Dodgers.”
Roberts added Turner will slide over to his natural shortstop position on days Corey Seager is given off for rest. Seager embraced the Dodgers adding Turner, but did openly state he hoped to remain at shortstop.
Gonzalez heads to the IL for a second time this year and coming off a shaky performance against the Houston Astros. He’s yet to replicate last season’s success and is 3-1 with a 3.82 ERA over 42 games.
Nelson done for season
While Gonzalez going on the IL cleared a spot for Turner on the active roster, Jimmy Nelson was the corresponding move to getting him on the 40-man.
Nelson was transferred to the 60-day IL and will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery and a right flexor tendon repair.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
