Dodgers: Justin Turner Out of Lineup for Second Straight Game
Justin Turner will be out of the starting lineup for a second straight game as the Dodgers host the Philadelphia Phillies at Chavez Ravine at 7 pm for the first game of a three-game series.
Another day off for Justin Turner: pic.twitter.com/2KkGsHrXMn
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) May 31, 2019
Max Muncy will assume the responsibilities at third base for the second game in a row, while Matt Beaty, who started in left field last night, will be moved to first base for tonight’s game.
Many expected Turner, who was held out of the series finale against the New York Mets last night after an injury scare in the Dodgers ninth-inning comeback on Wednesday night, to be given another night off. However, when speaking with reporters on Friday, Turner was vague about his status.
Justin Turner said he’s not on the injured list, but otherwise would not discuss the hamstring tightness that will keep him out of the lineup for a second game tonight.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) May 31, 2019
Gurnick later brought us an update on the situation.
Turner (hamstring) is on the field exercising under the watch of a trainer.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) May 31, 2019
While Turner will not be placed on the injured list at this time, it’s still relatively unknown just how serious his injury is.
If his hamstring tightness continues to persist, the Dodgers third baseman might have no choice but to rest during what would be his first stint on the injured list of the 2019 season.
If Turner is indeed headed for the injured list in the near future, it would not be his first time in that position.
Many fans will recall that he spent the first couple months of the 2018 season, in which the Dodgers got off to a very slow start, on what was then the disabled list after suffering a broken wrist injury during spring training.
While more details will likely be released as time goes on, an extended absence of Turner from the Dodgers lineup would be a blow to the first place National League team.
Turner is currently batting .306 with 25 RBI and a .838 OPS, and his production on the offensive side of the ball would certainly be missed.