Dodgers News: Justin Turner Exits Sunday Game Early With Groin Tightness
The Dodgers new lineup – complete with Manny Machado – was not at full strength for long. Turner exited Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers after three innings with right groin tightness. This was after Dave Roberts indicated that Turner checked all the boxes and was ready to go.
“We’re confident,” Roberts said. “He passed all the tests, and we’ve kind of slow played him so we can keep him healthy. He’ll be in there today, and then I think right now the plan is to go three or four in a row and then get him a day off.”
It now appears after the long period of trying to get Turner healthy, he may hit the 10-day disabled list.
Dave Roberts said Justin Turner right groin injury is making it a growing possibility he will be placed on DL. #Dodgers
— . (@THEREAL_DV) July 22, 2018
#Dodgers Justin Turner said his leg injury "definitely didn't get worse but wasn't as good as I'd hoped." Acknowledged there will be discussions with Dave Roberts, training staff, etc. on what to do next whether it's more rest/treatment or complete shutdown on DL
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 22, 2018
This isn’t the worst thing for the Dodgers – the team has a surplus of position-player depth right now. That figures to improve when Yasiel Puig returns during the next series against the Atlanta Braves. Max Muncy figures to slide to third base, with Cody Bellinger resuming full duty at first base. The team would also have the option of using Bellinger in center, Manny Machado at third, and Chris Taylor at shortstop.
Sunday marked the first game that Turner had started since June 12th. While he’s looked better of late – sporting an on-base percentage north of .350 – he clearly hasn’t been the Turner we have come to know all season long.
Furthermore, it’s most important that Dodgers have a fully healthy Turner for the stretch run and playoffs.
Overspending On Bullpen Not Always a Positive
If a good pitcher became available, Why not trade Turner? He’s becoming a liability.j
Heart and soul of the Dodgers. Not sure of a package that makes sense in return in terms of a pitcher; at least this time of year. This is more something you would see happen in the offseason when more teams are ‘in’ the market to both move a big time SP and acquire a Turner. Even then, still a longshot. I think he plays out his prime years here.