The Los Angeles Dodgers lost a key contributor for the foreseeable future when Justin Turner suffered a fractured in his left wrist after being hit by a pitch in last Monday’s game against the Oakland Athletics.
While it was already determined that Turner will avoid surgery, a timetable on when he’ll be able to return to the field won’t be made public. Though, players with similar injuries in recent years have typically been sidelined for a minimum of six weeks, and up to two months.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained the club opts against revealing injury timetables so as to avoid placing unfair expectations on players, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“As an organization, we try to be as open and not lock ourselves in, or the player, because expectations get in the way,” Roberts said. “We are more vague, but everyone heals differently. You can ask, but don’t expect an answer. If I had a precise time, I would give it to you.”
Last season when Clayton Kershaw battled a herniated disc in his back, the Dodgers allowed Kershaw to recover for as long as he needed without the pressure of placing a timetable on him.
When Kershaw suffered a similar injury during the previous year, he was hesitant to reveal a tentative date for his return to avoid returning too early and potentially making matters worse. Or to create the perception that his return came later than expected.
Though Turner is a vital contributor to the Dodgers on both sides of the ball, there won’t be any urgency to rush him back to the field. He’s confident the club will carry on just fine during his absence, citing the excellent depth behind him that will help replicate his production.
