In the wake of a four-game sweep at the hands of the Cincinnati Reds, the Los Angeles Dodgers fell to eight games below .500 and have undoubtedly reached a low point in the 2018 season.
But the club has nowhere to go but up as they now prepare for an East Coast road trip that features stops against the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals. Reinforcements are on the way, as Logan Forsythe and Justin Turner are expected to be activated off the disabled list prior to Tuesday’s game against the Marlins.
The two have progressed well and over the weekend were in the midst of what were brief rehab assignments with High-A Rancho Cucamonga. Each had the opportunity to play the field and serve as a designated hitter.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is understandably thrilled to have Forsythe and Turner on the verge of officially being back in the fold, per Rowan Kavner of Dodger Insider:
“It’ll be a boost just to see those guys active in the lineup, in the clubhouse,” said manager Dave Roberts. “We’re excited to get them back with us.”
“The voice, if you’re playing and you’re active, is stronger,” Roberts said. “The defense, the presence in the order, that’s another variable.”
The returns of Forsythe and Turner will only further lengthen a Dodgers lineup that recently lost shortstop Corey Seager for the remainder of the 2018 season.
In 49 plate appearances this season (12 games), Forsythe is hitting a weak .174/.224/.283 with two doubles and one home run. He struggled at third base in Turner’s absence, but will presumably shift back to his usual position at second base.
Turner, who has been on the disabled list since fracturing his left wrist in Spring Training, figures to significantly revamp the Dodgers lineup while providing elite defense at the hot corner.
