Dodgers News: Justin Turner Removed Early After Fouling Ball Off Leg

UPDATE (June 8, 9:15 p.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Justin Turner left the game with a left knee contusion after X-rays came back negative. He is listed as day-to-day.

Largely factoring into the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to trade Juan Uribe was the play of Alex Guerrero and Justin Turner. While Guerrero has provided the Dodgers with a power bat, Turner has been a steady force at the plate, continuing with the momentum he had last season.

Prior to Uribe getting dealt, Turner had become Dodgers manager Don Mattingly’s starter of choice at third base with Guerrero providing an occasional day off for the utility man who has also played second base and shortstop for the Dodgers.

Turner was in the lineup Monday as the Dodgers began a three-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, he didn’t last long. Turner fouled a pitch off his left leg/knee area in the bottom of the third and went down in noticeable pain.

Head athletic trainer Stan Conte came out to check on Turner, who remained in the game and flied out to center. Then with one out in the fourth inning, Turner limped off the field and was replaced by Alberto Callaspo — one of the players acquired in the trade that sent Uribe and Chris Withrow to Atlanta.

Should Turner miss an extended period of time it would further tax a roster that’s already absorbed plenty of injuries this season. It could mean more time at third base for Guerrero, which is made easier with Yasiel Puig’s recent return from the disabled list as Andre Ethier can now regularly assume left-field duties.

Prior to Monday Callaspo had appeared in 11 games since being traded, though only making three starts. Turner is batting .307/.380/.496 with five home runs and 23 RBIs in 49 games this season. An update on his status was not available at the time of this writing.