After finsihing 7-2 on their homestand, the Los Angeles Dodgers began an eight-game road trip Friday with a matchup against the Cincinnati Reds. Justin Turner entered play having been hit by a pitch in four consecutive games.
The mark tied a Dodgers franchise record that was previously set by Hughie Jennings, when he was plunked in four straight games while playing for Brooklyn during the 1900 season. It was the 65 time Turner has been hit as a member of the Dodgers, which ranks third all-time in franchise history.
His streak was snapped Friday but also because Turner only logged two plate appearances, which he went hitless in. Prior to grounding out in the third inning, Turner fouled a pitch off his left shin.
He initially remained in the game for another inning but was pinch-hit for in the fifth. According to Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times, Turner was removed due to a left shin contusion:
The Dodgers say Justin Turner left the game with a left shin contusion.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) May 18, 2019
Turner underwent X-Rays, which came back negative, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports:
X-Rays on Justin Turner’s left shin were negative
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) May 18, 2019
This marked the first time this season Turner has been removed due to a minor injury.
Turner began the night batting .289/.386/.443 with five doubles, six home runs and 21 RBI over 41 games.
Keeping in line with his career history, he again had a surge of power once the calendar turned to May. After hitting one home run through the first 29 games, Turner has hit five home runs thus far in May. Included in that was a career-best three-home run game against the Atlanta Braves.
The Dodgers conclude their series with the Reds on Sunday, then have an off day. A second off day of the week comes Thursday.
With the exception of A.J. Pollock requiring elbow surgery, the Dodgers have managed to remain relatively healthy since Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill came off the 10-day injured list. Hyun-Jin Ryu was sidelined for a brief stretch but has been dominant since returning.
Kenta Maeda was placed on the IL Friday with a left adductor contusion, which he sustained upon fouling a ball off his thigh in Wednesday’s win. Though, the roster move was considered more precautionary than in response to the severity of the injury.
