While Justin Turner has established himself as arguably the most consistent batter in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup over recent seasons and reputation as a top postseason performer, it can be easy to forget or overlook the foundation behind that.
Turner tirelessly works to hone his craft during the offseason and carries that into Spring Training and then the regular season. While Spring Training results are appropriately cast aside because in most cases they don’t have any bearing on the regular season, Turner bucks the trend.
He doubled and was hit by a pitch in his first Cactus League game of the year, then went 2-for-2 with a two-run home run and RBI double in Monday’s win over the Chicago Cubs.
“We talk about trying to play every game the same, and that’s hard, but J.T. is just such a professional, that he works for a purpose,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts marveled.
“And when he gets out there, he swings at strikes and takes balls. Regardless of what stage you’re on, that plays. He gets up for games like this and puts his best foot forward every time he steps on the field.
“It’s rare. It’s a guy that has proven himself on the biggest of stages. Understands his body, understands his mechanics and doesn’t try to do too much and really just has that same preparedness every single day. It’s good to see him have success early. But regardless, he looks good, he’s in good shape. When he goes, everyone else sort of follows suit.”
Turner has hit at least .333 in each of his previous five springs with the Dodgers. He’s batting 1.000/1.000/2.667 thus far in 2019. “I feel pretty good, feel comfortable,” he said. “I feel like the timing is pretty good right now but I still got a long way to go.
“Trying to get timing, making sure I’m seeing pitches and staying in the zone and not chasing. Not really to worried about the results, if good things happen then good things happen. But I’m really more concerned with the decision-making and less with the results.”
Much like his humble assessment, in true Turner fashion, he hit to all parts of Camelback Ranch on Monday. Turner’s home run went to left field, while his double was hit to right.
“I take pride in using the whole field and try to be a complete hitter,” he said. “I think obviously the results were good today.”
