What had been a rather uneventful Spring Training for the Los Angeles Dodgers changed Monday night when Justin Turner suffered a broken left wrist as a result of being hit by a pitch. He was writhing in pain and laid on the ground while being tended to before walking off the field.
Turner was immediately sent for X-rays, which revealed the non-displaced fracture. He joined Tom Koehler as expected contributors to suffer a significant injury this spring.
Of course, and in no slight to Koehler, Turner’s presence in the lineup and clubhouse is of much more significance to the Dodgers. And without yet knowing the timetable for his return, disappointment understandably swept through the team.
After having his hand examined by Dr. Brian Shafer, it was determined Turner will not require surgery, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Justin Turner said he will not need surgery. His broken left wrist will be in a brace for a few days, then he can begin range of motion exercises. “Good news,” Turner said.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 20, 2018
However, the Dodgers will not publicly reveal how long Turner may be sidelined by the injury, per Andy McCullough of L.A. Times:
The Dodgers do not plan to publicly reveal a timetable for Justin Turner's return.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) March 20, 2018
Turner’s spring comes to an end at 15 games. He went 12-for-36 (.333 batting average), accompanied by a .415 on-base percentage and .556 slugging. Turner had two doubles, two home runs, three RBI and three walks.
Coming off a first career All-Star Game selection, he was primed for another strong campaign. Turner finished last season batting .322/.415/.530 with 32 doubles, 21 home runs, 71 RBI, a 149 OPS+ and .400 wOBA.
Turner led the Dodgers last season in batting average, on-base percentage, was third in doubles and total hits (147), tied for fourth in home runs and fifth in RBI. Beyond his production at the plate, Turner also played Gold-Glove caliber defense.
In his stead, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Logan Forsythe will likely slide over to third base, with Kiké Hernandez and Chase Utley left to split time at second base. Austin Barnes may also see some time in the infield as well.
