On the surface, Justin Turner receiving last Sunday’s game off appeared to be related to rest as he had started in nine of the past 10 contests. However, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Turner was bothered by left ankle soreness.
Turner was deemed available off the bench and expected to be back in the lineup when the Dodgers began their six-game road trip. He initially was included in the lineup for the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles but was scratched because of the ankle trouble.
Turner also did not play Wednesday or Thursday. An X-ray taken in L.A. was inconclusive, which led to an MRI because of the lingering discomfort. It confirmed he was dealing with the effects of a mild left ankle sprain.
Although Roberts couldn’t definitively say when Turner would return to the lineup, he was relieved by the MRI results, per Zachary Silver of MLB.com:
“I think it’s probably a less concern now that we know it’s a mild sprain,” Roberts said. “With the sprain, time heals it. What that timeline is [will] be determined. But yeah, a little relief.”
“It’s one of those things where it’s per his tolerance. And, obviously, he still has discomfort. … I do think that we’d have him available in some capacity in New York, but I think right now, where we’re at, we don’t expect to see him in the lineup [Friday] night.”
Prior to the MRI results being announced, Roberts downplayed having much concern. He reasoned Turner could have played Wednesday if it was any sort of must-win or postseason scenario.
All things considered, the news is the best Turner and the Dodgers could have hoped for as there isn’t any structural damage. During an interview on the FOX broadcast, he already reported to be in improved condition.
Turner believes he may have injured his ankle in the series opener against the San Francisco Giants. He made a diving stop and in the process jammed his foot and spiked his right ankle.
While the Dodgers continue to vie for the best record in baseball as well as the top spot in the National League, they assuredly will err on the side of caution with Turner’s health and that of others on the roster.
