Dodgers News: Justin Turner Nears Return From Skin Infection

The Los Angeles Dodgers are pleased to announce that strides of progression have been made involving an injured player. Justin Turner, who was battling an infection in his right thigh, was sent on a trip to the emergency room. After the doctors received a chance to analyze Turner, the former New York Met was placed on the disabled list on July 31.

On Friday, it was announced that Turner would begin to ease back into baseball related activities, via J.P. Hoornstra’s Twitter:

Justin Turner has resumed baseball activities. Now expected to return Wednesday or Thursday, per Mattingly.

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) August 7, 2015

The July 31 placement coincided with the Dodgers three-team trade that took place just before the non-waiver trade deadline, allowing a roster spot to open up while the right-handed hitter could heal his injury.

The infection that Turner suffered from is not looked at as serious, but more so as something that needs patience and care to be coped with. The emergence of Turner at third base is the foundation as to why general manager Farhan Zaidi dealt Hector Olivera, the coveted international signee, to the Braves as a part of the deal.

Manager Don Mattingly commented by stating that he now expects the 30-year-old to be ready to come off of the disabled list on August 12, when he is first eligible. Turner leads the Dodgers with his .323 batting average and has cemented himself as the starting third baseman and number three hitter in the lineup.

In 87 games played this season, the California native is batting .323/.387/.563/, with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs. If Turner were recalled on August 12, he would be able to play in the finale of a three-game series against the Washington Nationals, or during the beginning of a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds starting on August 13.