Dodgers: Justin Turner Just Keeps Hitting
Justin Turner continues to lay down the foundation for the Dodgers offense. Turner is off to fantastic start in 2021. His stats show that he’s still one of the top hitting third baseman in the majors at age 36.
Turner’s Stats Amongst Third Basemen Through May 9th
- BA: .328 (1st)
- OBP: .416 (1st)
- SLG: .643 (2nd)
- RBI: 23 (2nd)
- BB: 18 (2nd)
- wRC+: 172 (2nd)
Through Saturday, Turner ranks near the top in every meaningful statistic for his position. He’s tops in the league in batting average and on-base percentage. His 1.5 WAR trails only the Cubs Kris Bryant.
His Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) of 172 indicates that he’s 72% better than the average third baseman. Again, he trails only Bryant in that category.
Turner’s ability to get on base by drawing walks is what sets him apart. Turner and Bryant are the only two third baseman to post double digit walks while batting over .300. It’s also a big reason why JT leads the position in OBP. If the season ended today, Turner would turn in the highest walk-rate of his career since 2009 (13.1%).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrHLzQ5ZouA?start=217
Of all the Dodgers big bats, Turner has been the most consistent. He came back to Earth a bit in the end of April, but he had a May slash line of .318/.444/.500 entering Sunday’s contest. Even at 36, he’s the Dodgers best contact hitter.
In addition to creating contact, Turner remains a powerful bat despite his age. He recorded an April career high in home runs (6) and RBI (20) in 2021. Talk about old man strength!
Shoot for the stars, aim for the moon. pic.twitter.com/zhGnKyWwP4
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 5, 2021
All-Star Weekend is a long ways off, but JT is on track to earn his second appearance in the Midsummer Classic.
Los Angeles has struggled to produce runs during their slump, but fans can’t fault Turner. The slugger is one the best offensive players at his position. Numbers never lie.
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