Although he’s been limited this offseason due to microfracture surgery on his left knee, Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner has kept a busy schedule.
He signed autographs during the Blue Friday Sale at the Dodger Stadium Top of the Park Store last November, and participated in the Dodgers Love L.A. community tour this week.
Turner also held an impromptu signing session on Sunday at the Dodgers Clubhouse store located at Universal CityWalk.
On Monday he’s hosting the first annual Justin Turner Golf Classic at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena, Calif.
As for last October’s surgery on his left knee, Turner said last month his recovery was progressing without any setbacks; he was cleared earlier this month to begin swinging a bat.
According to J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News, the 31 year old is now cleared to run:
Turner said he was cleared to run on flat ground Thursday for the first time since he had microfracture surgery on his left knee in October. “I felt really good,” he said. “I passed enough tests to go outside and see how that goes. Next step is to see how I feel (Friday).”
While there was speculation the injury was related to ongoing knee issues, Turner clarified the matter last October by explaining the troublesome left knee was a result of fouling a pitch off it.
Turner appeared in a career-high 126 games last season, batting .294/.370/.491 with 16 home runs, 60 RBIs, and a .371 wOBA and 141 wRC+. The production was enough to dissuade the Dodgers from acquiring Todd Frazier as part of their three-team trade with the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds last month.
Turner re-signed a one-year, $5.1 million contract to avoid arbitration. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked two weeks ago the club would not rush the third baseman back simply so he could participate in Spring Training.
However, Turner at this time remains on track to be part of the Dodgers’ first full-squad workout at Camelback Ranch on Feb. 24.
